LAME MP3 encoder

The LAME codec will enable you to save your files as MP3 audio, which is more highly compressed than native .WAV audio - this will save us both time and valuable disk space! Because of software patents, Audacity cannot be distributed with MP3 encoding software. The following instructions will help you install the codec into Audacity.

Windows Installation

Visit the LAME download page.
Click on any link from the list of identical "lame-3.96.1" links.
When you have finished downloading LAME, unzip it and save the file lame_enc.dll anywhere on your computer; preferably uncompress the file to your Program Files / Audacity directory.
Load up Audacity.
Click on the File menu, and select Preferences.
Within the preferences menu, select the File Formats tab.
Click on "Find Library," and browse to the location in which you have unzipped the Lame codec.
Click on "lame_enc.dll" and click "Open".
Mac OS 9 or OS X Installation

Visit the LAME download page
Download the correct version of LameLib for operating system.
When you have finished downloading, use Stuffit Expander to extract the files. (This may happen automatically.)
Save the file called "LameLib" anywhere on your computer.
The first time you use the "Export as MP3" command, Audacity will ask you where LameLib is saved.
Browse to the file, and accept.

Frequently-Asked Questions

When I save for the first time, it asks if I would like to search for the codec. Can I install the codec this way? In our experience, this does not always work. Please follow the instructions provided above for the most reliable method.