How to Convert a Podcast to an MP3 File With Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source software program for recording and editing sounds. Follow these steps to convert a podcast to an MP3 with it.

Instructions

1. For both Mac and PC select "Import" using the MP3 Encoder.

2. Under "Setting" select "Custom." Then set up the MP3 encoder.

3. Now convert the file for podcast use. Select the podcast by clicking on it once. Then right-click to activate the contextual menu (or control-click for Mac). Select "Convert Selection to MP3." Or, you can go to the Advanced menu and select "Convert Selection to MP3."

4. The file will start to convert. Select it during the conversion so you know which file is your MP3 file without having to "Get Info." The file will convert with the exact same name. Once it's finished converting, and no longer grayed-out, you'll need to add information to the MP3 ID tags.

5. Select the newly converted MP3 file and "Get Info" by either "Command-I" for Mac's or "Control-I" for PC's. Or, you can select the "Ge Info" option with the "File" pull-down menu. You'll see a summary of your file. Make sure the Format states MPEG-2, Layer 3. Then select "Info" and fill in the tags as appropriate.

6. If you don't have a selection in the "Genre" section that corresponds to your desired iTunes category select "Custom" from the pull-down menu. Type in a category name.

7. Finally, embed an image into your MP3 file. Select "Add" from the "Artwork" pull-down menu. Browse to the correct image and press "Choose." Use the slider on the right to zoom, if needed. If you made the image specified above, you don't need to. Click "OK" to finish.

8. Next, drag the newly-named file from your iTunes library right into the folder on your hard drive you use to store your podcast files. Select the file and remove all spaces. Replace them with underscores. Your MP3 file is now ready. You can upload it to the Internet from there if you choose.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a link to image_sh.jpg in the tag of your podcast feed.

• Make sure the Format states MPEG-2, Layer 3.

• Make sure your importing preferences are correct.