How to Shorten a Song's Size

Use iTunes to reduce the file size of songs.

Unlike analog music formats, you can instantly copy and manipulate digital song files with a variety of programs on your computer. If a song is too long for a ringtone, or if the file is too large, you can use audio-editing software to shorten the track and reduce the song's file size.

Things You'll Need

• Audio-editing software

Instructions

1. Open the song file in Audacity to shorten the song. Click and drag to select the portion of the waveform you want to capture and export. For example, you may only want the song's chorus or hook as a ringtone. Click the "Edit" menu and select "Crop" to eliminate the rest of the song file. Click "File," then select "Export" to enter a title and file type for your song. Click "Save."

2. Launch Audacity and load the song for which you want to reduce file size. Click "File" and select "Export." Encode the file as an MP3 in the "Save As" or "Type" menu. Select a low bitrate, such as 128 kbps. Click "Save."

3. Reduce the song's file size with iTunes. Open "Import Settings" in the iTunes Preferences menu and select "MP3 Encoder." Select the "128 kbps" setting. Right-click the file in your library, then select "Create MP3 Version." ITunes will create a copy of the file.

4. Adjust the song file's playback setting in iTunes to cut off the end of a song. Right-click the track and select "Get Info." Click the "Options" tab. Enter a specific time stamp in the "Stop Time" field. Click "OK" to save your changes.

5. Click the "Add File" button in Switch and select your song file from your hard drive. Select the "MP3" output format, then select "128" as your bitrate for the conversion in the "Encoder Options" menu. Click the "Convert" button to create a smaller copy of the song.

Resources

• Apple: iTunes
• Source Forge: Audacity
• NCH Software: Switch