How does one import an audio clip?

[Djard]

I just installed Waveform 11 and after 20 minutes of research am still unable to import an audio file. If a menu for the task exists, it is well-hidden. The Quick Start Guide and v2 of the Manual are utterly useless: they advertise 'what' the software can do and not 'how' to do it.

It appears that a project must firstly be created, but that would be ridiculous. Can someone lend me a hand and share the steps for opening, say, a WAV file?

[FigBug]

Yes, you must create a project first. Or what else are you importing the wave file into?

Once you've created a project and opened the edit, drag the wave file onto whatever track you want it on.

[whyterabbyt]

It appears that a project must firstly be created, but that would be ridiculous.

why? all sorts of software requires a project to be created first, from After Effects to ProTools to Visual Studio to Unity.

Generally, it'd be fairly standard for any application where multiple imported media files would be conformed to some 'master' working format ie sample rate and bitdepth, or frame rate and resolution or whatever.

[Djard]

Thanks. That saved me a headache. I am used to Audacity, wherein any audio file is quickly imported from the main menu that is always visible, the file already named and the project saved after an edit. But I can live with Tracktion's extra steps. I discovered that another option is to open an MP3 or WAV file with Window's File Manager.

[Peter Widdicombe]

It really depends on what you want to DO with the file. If you just want to hear an MP3, there are simple players out there - Windows and otherwise. If you want to MANIPULATE or add to, then Waveform has lots to offer. For really simple audio-only files and things, Audacity is good, but has no MIDI.

[Djard]

Logically, opening an audio file for editing with an audio editor (DAW) should be as simple as opening a text file with a text editor, a photo with a photo editor, a video clip with a video editor.

MS-Word, Paint Shop Pro, Corel Video Studio, Adobe Illustrator, among the best engineered apps, have a readily accessible menu to directly open their type of files, without having to create a project, designate a location, name and rename files, set parameters, etc., etc: you simply import a file then start editing. You can then save the file in any format and/or decide to save the edit as a project. Tacktion has this order in reverse.

Reaper, Ardour and a lot of otherwise great DAWs seem to go out of the way to have you fiddle about before editing a file, when streamlining workflow is sought by those who make a living with software. But, I'm just expressing my two cents' worth, which is probably all that its worth.

When all is said and done (and usually more is said than done), the time-stretch feature in Waveform alone is worth the hassle I describe.

[mchoffmann]

A DAW is to an Audio Editor much like a car to an umbrella.
Both can keep you dry from the rain, but unlocking the car, getting in and closing the door is a lot more complicated.
The umbrella won´t take you to places, though....

Greets
M

[FigBug]

Logically, opening an audio file for editing with an audio editor (DAW) should be as simple as opening a text file with a text editor, a photo with a photo editor, a video clip with a video editor.

Opening an audio file for editing isn't something Waveform can do. It's not an audio editor. It is designed for arranging multiple audio files in relation to each other. Comparing it to apps that work on individual files to Waveform makes no sense.

If you just want to timestrech a file, you shouldn't be using a DAW. Get an audio editor like Adobe Audition.

[pough]

Opening an audio file for editing isn't something Waveform can do. It's not an audio editor. It is designed for arranging multiple audio files in relation to each other. Comparing it to apps that work on individual files to Waveform makes no sense.

No, but some DAWs will start up with a blank edit/project and allow you to start creating (or importing) and then when you're ready you can either discard it or save it. I understand that Waveform doesn't work that way, but the lack of that functionality means I have always had alternate DAWs to use as scratchpads. Because sometimes you just want to dick around. Having to give that a name and a place before you even know what you're going to create is a pain.

[imstre]

You can use Cakewalk or Bandlab online it has empty templates and don't disturb people with stupid issues
full of internet information while you want to get on the plates, learn for yourself and think about what you need.
i am thinking of a forum dedicated to the program to solve problems and technical issues.

[Djard]

imstre: Gerbiamas drauge, jei manote, kad klausimas yra "kvailas", tiesiog ignoruokite jį. Nereikia pykti dėl nuoširdaus klausimo.

Thanks to everyone for kindly responding and affording me a little patience. I did find a way to open audio files and edit them in Waveform 11. I really like the program.

[imstre]

I'm sorry, but it annoys me no matter how sincere

[Djard]

Patience is an essential component of love: without it, all relationships depend on others being perfect and guarantees disappointment and ultimate failure. I believe that such an unrealistic expectation is even reflected in music today...the most degenerating dynamic. Keep your heart open for those less gifted, and you will be a greater man.