# Saving and exporting projects

## Saving projects (.aup3)

You can save projects using the **File -> Save Project -> Save Project** menu. A saved project has the most information about your project available. If you save a project, you can change [realtime effects](/~/revisions/3SXRVNgNNXfugJQShK9n/audio-editing/using-realtime-effects.md) later on, or untrim clips.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning:** Avoid saving active projects on external drives, USB sticks, or network storage. Audacity requires fast, uninterrupted access to your storage when recording and editing. 
{% endhint %}

## Exporting audio (.mp3, .wav, .ogg, ...)

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** You may need to [install FFMPEG](/~/revisions/3SXRVNgNNXfugJQShK9n/basics/installing-ffmpeg.md) to access some of these options.
{% endhint %}

You can export your project into an audio file using the **File -> Export Audio...** menu item. Exported audio files can be opened with a wide variety of programs.

<figure><img src="/files/oVfCyqscryOhta0vSwD0" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Export Audio Window</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tips & Tricks**

* Use mono if you don't need directionality (eg. if you're just recording your voice).
* As an alternative to MP3, the Opus and M4A (AAC) options deliver higher quality at the same file size compared to MP3.
* As an alternative to WAV, the FLAC and Wavpack options offer lossless compression, reducing file sizes by up to half while not losing any information.
  {% endhint %}


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