How to Trim Songs on iTunes

Audio editing software has many more features.
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ITunes was not designed to be used as an audio editor, so it doesn't have the advanced functions of an editor. However, you can use a trick in iTunes to trim your songs. If you want to remove the silence at the end of a track, or the beginning of a live concert to get rid of the applause, you can do so by using the Start Time and Stop Time options. You have to convert the song to MP3 or AAC format to trim it.

Open iTunes and locate the song you want to trim. Double-click the song to play it and decide where you want to trim it.

Right-click the song and choose "Get Info" from the context menu. Click the "Options" tab.

Enable the "Start Time" and "Stop Time" and enter the time for the start and stop points into the two fields.

Click "OK" to save and apply the changes. Double-click the song to test the changes.

Right-click the song and choose "Create MP3 version" or "Create AAC version" from the context menu to convert the track. ITunes trims the song when you convert it.

  • Information in this article applies to Apple iTunes 11.1. Procedures may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
  • The original song is not replaced or deleted; a trimmed copy of the song appears in the iTunes library.

Nick Peers has been writing technology-related articles since 2003. His articles have appeared in dozens of technical publications, including MSN UK, CNET, BBC Who Do You Think You Are, LifeHacker UK and TechRadar. He holds a Masters in information technology degree from the University of East London.

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