If none of the above works, your issue is likely with the video track itself, not the audio.
Avidemux works reliably with:
Use free tools like Audacity or FFmpeg:
The Problem: Users often try to import audio files (like FLAC, OGG, or variable bitrate MP3s) that Avidemux cannot natively handle or index correctly for editing. The current error message ("Cannot use that file as audio track") is a hard stop, forcing the user to close Avidemux, use a third-party tool (like Audacity or FFmpeg) to convert the file to a compatible format (usually WAV), and then try again.
The Solution: A "Smart Audio Transcode & Inject" mechanism that automatically detects incompatible audio inputs and offers to convert them into a safe, editable format on the fly without leaving the Avidemux interface.
Make sure you're using the latest version of Avidemux. Visit the official website to download the latest version, which may include bug fixes or support for additional audio formats.
ffmpeg -i your_audio.mp3 -ar 48000 -ac 2 -c:a pcm_s16le output.wav
Or to CBR MP3:
ffmpeg -i your_audio.opus -ar 48000 -b:a 192k output_cbr.mp3
The most reliable fix is to give Avidemux a file format it understands natively and flawlessly: MP3 (libavcodec) or WAV (PCM).
Since Avidemux is an all-in-one tool, you can actually use Avidemux itself to convert the file before you import it.
converted_audio.mp3.The error "Cannot use that file as audio track" in Avidemux typically occurs because the software is strict about the formats it accepts for external audio. While Avidemux is an excellent tool for quick cutting and muxing, it is not a "universal" player and requires audio files to meet specific encoding and container standards to be used as a track. Common Causes for the Error
Unsupported Container: Avidemux often fails to import audio if it is wrapped in an incompatible container like .m4a or .mp4. It primarily expects "raw" streams or standard formats like .wav, .mp3, or .ac3.
Metadata Interference: Some files, particularly MP3s exported from DJ software like Traktor, contain large metadata headers that confuse the Avidemux parser.
PCM Byte Order: For uncompressed audio, Avidemux may reject "Little Endian" PCM in certain containers, preferring "Big Endian" or standard 16-bit WAV files.
AAC Incompatibility: External AAC tracks often need to be in an ADTS or LATM envelope; standard MPEG-4 encapsulated AAC is frequently rejected. How to Fix the Error 1. Convert the Audio to a Compatible Format
The most reliable way to bypass this error is to convert your audio file into a "clean" format that Avidemux natively understands. avidemux.orghttps://avidemux.org
New user getting "Cannot use that file as audio track" - avidemux.org
If you’ve run into the "Cannot use that file as audio track" error in Avidemux, it usually means the software is struggling with the file's container format or a sample rate mismatch, even if the audio itself seems fine.
Here is a quick guide to understanding why this happens and how to fix it. Why it happens
Avidemux is picky about external audio tracks. The error typically triggers for two reasons:
Format Incompatibility: While Avidemux supports many codecs (like MP3 or AAC), it often fails to "mux" (combine) them if they are wrapped in certain containers or have unusual headers. avidemux+cannot+use+that+file+as+audio+track
Sampling Rate Issues: If your video is 44.1kHz and your audio track is 48kHz, Avidemux sometimes rejects the link to prevent sync issues. How to fix it 1. Standardize the Audio File
The most reliable fix is to convert your audio file into a "clean" version before importing it.
Use a tool like Audacity or an online converter to export the audio as a WAV (uncompressed) or a standard MP3.
WAV files have the highest success rate because they lack the complex metadata that often confuses Avidemux. 2. Check the "Audio Configuration"
Before importing the external file, ensure your video's audio output is set correctly:
In the left-hand sidebar, under Audio Output, try changing "Copy" to MP3 (lame) or AAC (lav).
Click Filters under Audio Output and ensure the Resampling checkbox is either off or matches your source file’s bitrate. 3. Use the "Append" Method
Sometimes Avidemux prefers it if you don't use the "Select Track" menu immediately.
If you have the audio and video as two separate files, try opening the video first, then go to File > Append (though this is primarily for joining files, it can sometimes bypass header checks). 4. The "Muxer" Workaround
If Avidemux simply won't cooperate, use a dedicated muxing tool like MKVToolNix. Drag your video and your audio file into MKVToolNix. Uncheck the original audio and keep the new audio. Hit "Start multiplexing."
Once you have this new file, open it in Avidemux to do your final edits.
Pro Tip: Always make sure the audio file duration matches your video duration before importing, or you’ll end up with a "drifting" sync error that’s much harder to fix later.
Avidemux is picky about formats. If you are trying to add a standalone audio file: Use MP3 or AAC : These are the most reliable. If you have a file, Avidemux might reject it depending on the version. Convert the Audio : Use a tool like VLC Media Player to convert your audio file to a standard MP3 (128kbps or 192kbps) before importing. 2. Use the "Select Track" Method
Instead of dragging and dropping, use the internal menu to map the audio: Select Track
In the window that appears, check the box for "Track 1" (or the next available track).
Click the dropdown menu (which usually says "Copy") and select Add audio track Browse for your converted MP3 file. 3. Match the Sampling Rate
Avidemux sometimes fails if the audio sampling rate (e.g., 48000 Hz) doesn't play nice with the video's timeline: Resampling box and set it to
Change the "Audio Output" on the left sidebar from "Copy" to MP3 (lame) to force a re-encode during the save process. 4. Update Avidemux
Older versions have known bugs with external audio tracks. Ensure you are using the latest stable release from the official Avidemux site to prep your files for Avidemux? How to add audio to video with VLC and Avidemux If none of the above works, your issue
The error message "Cannot use that file as audio track" in Avidemux typically occurs because the software expects a raw, elementary audio stream rather than a file wrapped in a container. Common Causes
Container Incompatibility: Avidemux often cannot import audio files that are themselves inside containers like .mp4, .m4a, or .ogg as external tracks.
Unsupported Formats: While it supports common formats like WAV (16/24-bit), MP2, MP3, AC3, and DTS, it may struggle with certain AAC encodings unless they are in an ADTS or LATM envelope.
Version Issues: Older versions may have bugs with specific codecs that are fixed in newer nightly builds. Recommended Solutions Cannot use mp3 as audio track - avidemux.org
To fix the "Cannot use that file as audio track" error in Avidemux, you typically need to convert your audio into a raw format or a simpler container. Avidemux often fails to import audio tracks that are already muxed into modern containers like avidemux.org 1. Unsupported File Containers
Avidemux often cannot invoke demuxers for external audio tracks that are already inside a container avidemux.org : You are likely trying to add an file that is technically a "video container without video" avidemux.org to export the audio as a file before importing it into Avidemux avidemux.org 2. Required Audio Formats
Avidemux has specific requirements for external tracks depending on the version and the intended use avidemux.org Supported Formats : MP3, WAV (PCM), AC3, and MP2 avidemux.org AAC Requirement : If using AAC, it must be (ADTS- or LATM-encapsulated), not inside an avidemux.org Secondary Tracks : If you are adding a audio track, it must be (Constant Bit Rate), such as MP3 CBR or AC3 3. Outdated Software
The error is more common in older versions that lack support for certain modern codecs. : Ensure you are using at least Avidemux 2.8.1 or the latest nightly build avidemux.org 4. Step-by-Step Replacement Guide If you need to swap the audio in your video file: New user getting "Cannot use that file as audio track"
The error message "Cannot use that file as audio track" in Avidemux typically occurs because the software expects raw audio streams rather than audio stored within a container like MP4 or M4A when importing external tracks. Primary Causes of the Error
Unsupported Container Format: Avidemux cannot invoke demuxers for external audio tracks. If you try to add an .m4a or .mp4 file as an external track, it will fail because these are containers, not raw streams.
Encapsulation Issues: For AAC files, Avidemux specifically requires the audio to be in a raw ADTS or LATM envelope. Standard M4A files from iTunes or Audacity are often rejected for this reason.
Bitrate and Bit-Depth Restrictions: External audio tracks may fail if they use incompatible bit rates; specifically, some users find that audio rendered at 16-bit or lower works more reliably.
Metadata Corruption: Excess metadata at the head of a file (common in files from Traktor or similar DJ software) can confuse Avidemux, causing it to misinterpret frame headers and reject the file.
Version Mismatch: Older versions of Avidemux have more limited support for modern external audio streams. Using the latest release (e.g., version 2.8.1 or later) is often recommended as a first step to resolve these bugs. How to Fix the Error
To resolve this, you must provide Avidemux with a compatible raw audio format. 1. Convert to a Supported Raw Format
Convert your audio file to one of the following formats, which are natively supported as external tracks: MP3 (Constant Bit Rate is most stable). AC3. WAV (16-bit or 24-bit PCM). Raw AAC (ADTS-encapsulated). 2. Use FFmpeg for Quick Remuxing
If you have an M4A or MP4 file and want to strip it to a raw stream for Avidemux, you can use the FFmpeg command line tool:
# To extract raw AAC from an M4A container ffmpeg -i input.m4a -acodec copy -bsf:a aac_adtstoasc output.aac Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 3. Adjust Metadata
If you suspect metadata is the issue, you can try "cleaning" the file by running it through a simple converter or a metadata stripper. Removing the first several bytes of a file that contains Traktor metadata has been known to fix rejection issues. Use free tools like Audacity or FFmpeg: The
Here’s a post you can use on forums like Reddit, VideoHelp, or Super User:
Title: Avidemux error: "Cannot use that file as audio track" – how to fix?
Post:
Hi everyone,
I’m trying to replace or add an external audio track in Avidemux, but when I go to Audio → Select Track and choose my file (MP3 or M4A), I get the error:
Cannot use that file as audio track
Both the video file and the audio file play fine in other players. I’ve tried:
Has anyone found a reliable workaround? Is there a specific format Avidemux expects?
Thanks!
If you want a shorter version for social media (e.g., Twitter/Mastodon):
Getting "cannot use that file as audio track" in Avidemux when adding external audio. File plays fine elsewhere. Tried WAV, MP3 CBR, matching sample rate. Any fix? #Avidemux
Troubleshooting Avidemux: "Cannot use that file as audio track" Error
Avidemux is a popular, open-source video editing software that allows users to edit and manipulate video files. While it's a powerful tool, users can encounter errors, such as the frustrating "Cannot use that file as audio track" message. In this article, we'll explore the possible causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the issue.
What does the error message mean?
When you try to add an audio file to your project in Avidemux, you may encounter the "Cannot use that file as audio track" error. This message indicates that Avidemux is unable to read or import the audio file you've selected. There are several reasons why this might happen, and we'll discuss them below.
Possible causes of the error
Solutions to the "Cannot use that file as audio track" error
To resolve the issue, try the following solutions: