Document Editing Problems

How to Trim or Clip Audio Recordings in Microsoft OneNote

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users want to cut unwanted segments from the beginning or end of an audio recording directly within the application.

How to Trim or Clip Audio Recordings in Microsoft OneNote

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing long audio recordings linked to notes and trying to remove unnecessary parts without exporting the file, which breaks the note-sync connection.
Observed behavior: OneNote does not currently provide a built-in audio trimming or clipping feature, forcing users to seek external solutions or feature requests.

Before you start

Before exporting your file to edit it externally, consider whether you need to preserve the timestamp synchronization between the audio and your typed notes, as replacing the recording will break this connection.

Solution 1Recommended

Workaround: Export and Trim the Audio Externally

Since there is no native trimming tool, you must save the audio locally, edit it with a third-party app, and re-insert it.

Be aware that extracting and replacing an audio recording in OneNote will permanently disconnect it from the timestamps of any notes you typed during the original recording.

Save the audio file locally

Right-click on the audio recording icon embedded in your OneNote page and select 'Save As' from the context menu. Choose a destination folder on your computer.

Edit the audio

Open the saved audio file using a third-party audio editing software (such as Audacity or your operating system's default media trimmer) and cut the unwanted sections from the beginning or end.

Re-insert into OneNote

Save the trimmed audio file. Return to your OneNote page, delete the original recording, and drag and drop the newly edited file onto the page to attach it.

Workaround: Export and Trim the Audio Externally

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Voice your need for a native audio clipping tool by submitting or upvoting feedback directly to the Microsoft OneNote development team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does exporting and replacing an audio file in OneNote break my note synchronization?

Yes. OneNote synchronizes your audio recording with the notes you type during the session. If you export, edit, and replace the audio file, the timestamps connecting the text to the specific parts of the audio will be permanently lost.

Are there any third-party plugins that allow in-app audio trimming for OneNote?

Currently, there are no widely supported add-ins or plugins that integrate directly into OneNote to offer native audio clipping. Users must rely on external audio editors to trim their files.

What audio formats does OneNote support if I want to insert an edited recording?

OneNote generally supports standard audio formats such as MP3, WMA, and WAV. When you finish editing your audio externally, exporting it as an MP3 is the most reliable way to ensure playback compatibility when you insert it back into OneNote.

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