Avidemux Cannot Use That File As Audio Track |work| May 2026
"cannot use that file as audio track" in Avidemux typically occurs because you are trying to import an audio file that is wrapped in a (like .m4a or .mp4) rather than a raw stream
Understanding the Cause
The error usually occurs for one of three reasons: avidemux cannot use that file as audio track
to mux the audio into the video, as it is generally more flexible with container issues than Avidemux. What file formats does Avidemux accept for audio tracks? I'd like to see an FFmpeg example How can I check if my audio file has Traktor metadata? Cannot use mp3 as audio track - avidemux.org "cannot use that file as audio track" in
- Check Audio Format Compatibility: Verify that the audio file is in a format supported by Avidemux, such as WAV, MP3, or AAC. If the file is in an unsupported format, consider converting it to a compatible format using a tool like FFmpeg.
- Verify Audio File Integrity: Check the audio file for corruption by playing it in a media player. If the file is corrupted, try re-extracting it from the original source or using a different copy.
- Locate the Audio File: Ensure that the audio file is in the correct location and has not been deleted. If you've moved the file, update the file path in Avidemux.
- Update Avidemux: Make sure you're using the latest version of Avidemux. Visit the official website to download and install the latest version.
- Re-import Audio File: Try re-importing the audio file into Avidemux. Sometimes, a simple re-import can resolve the issue.
- Convert Audio File to PCM: Avidemux recommends using PCM (uncompressed) audio files. Consider converting your audio file to PCM using a tool like FFmpeg.
- Incompatible audio format: Avidemux supports a limited range of audio formats, including WAV, AIFF, MP3, and AAC. If your audio file is in a different format, it may not be recognized.
- Corrupted or damaged audio file: If your audio file is corrupted or damaged, Avidemux may not be able to read it.
- Audio file not supported: Avidemux may not support certain audio codecs or bitrates.
- File path or name issues: If the file path or name contains special characters or is too long, Avidemux may not be able to access the file.
A Note on Avidemux Versions
- Older versions (pre-2.7) – Very picky. Only basic WAV and MP3 CBR worked reliably.
- Avidemux 2.7.x and 2.8.x – Better AAC and MP4/M4A support, but the error still appears for Opus, Vorbis, and VBR MP3.
- Nightly builds – Improved but still not perfect. If you rely on external audio tracks often, consider using Shotcut, Olive, or Kdenlive instead.
- The message indicates Avidemux is unable to import or use the selected audio file or audio stream as the project’s audio track. This can occur when the audio file format, codec, container, or stream properties are unsupported, corrupted, or mismatched with the video.
Once you have a compatible raw file, follow these steps to add it: Cannot use mp3 as audio track - avidemux.org Check Audio Format Compatibility : Verify that the
- WAV (16-bit PCM, stereo, 48kHz) – universally compatible
- MP3 (CBR, 320kbps or 192kbps, stereo) – good for smaller size