Audacity, the free, open-source audio editing tool, has released version 4.0.0, its first major visual overhaul in around two decades. Developed by Muse Group, the redesign rebuilds the interface using the Qt framework and introduces a modern workflow, moving the software on from an appearance many users likened to early-2000s programs such as Winamp. The update matters because Audacity remains a widely used free option for musicians, podcasters, students and hobbyists, and the refresh aims to keep it competitive while preserving the workflow long-time users rely on.

Beyond the visual changes, version 4 adds a Home screen for recent projects, configurable Workspaces, overlapping and groupable audio clips, a dedicated splitting tool, and "clip envelopes" for adjusting volume and fades non-destructively. Existing keyboard shortcuts and Audacity 3 project files remain compatible, and the software stays free and open source. Muse Group said the changes lay groundwork for potential future digital audio workstation (DAW) features, such as virtual instruments, but stressed these are not included in this release, addressing earlier community concerns that Audacity was moving away from its editing-focused roots.