is a powerful, lightweight, open-source video editing tool loved for its ability to cut, filter, and mux videos without re-encoding. However, a common roadblock users face is the frustrating error message: "Cannot use that file as audio track." This error usually occurs when you try to replace, add, or swap an external audio track (such as an MP3, M4A, or AAC file) into an existing video stream.
Once you have a compatible file, follow these steps to add it:
The "Avidemux cannot use that file as audio track" error can be frustrating, but it's usually caused by a simple issue. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the error and get back to editing your video project. Remember to check the audio file format, verify file integrity, and ensure compatibility with Avidemux. If you're still experiencing issues, don't hesitate to seek further assistance from Avidemux forums or support communities. avidemux cannot use that file as audio track
For AAC files, Avidemux generally requires the audio to be in an encapsulation rather than muxed into an M4A file. WAV Bit Depth: If you are using a WAV file, ensure it is . Avidemux sometimes struggles with 32-bit float WAV files. Metadata Interference:
: Convert them to WAV or MP3 . If you must use AAC, ensure it is exported as a raw ADTS stream rather than an .m4a container. is a powerful, lightweight, open-source video editing tool
| Workaround | Instructions | |------------|---------------| | | Use ffmpeg or MKVToolNix to combine video + audio, then open in Avidemux only for cutting/filtering. | | Use built-in audio instead | If original video has audio → overwrite by placing external audio on timeline and deselecting original track. | | Upgrade/downgrade Avidemux | Some versions (2.7.8) fix external audio handling. Try nightly build or stable 2.7.0. |
Certain metadata (like Traktor tags in MP3s) can confuse Avidemux's header detection. Strip the metadata or re-save the file using a tool like Software Version: Ensure you are using the latest stable release (e.g., By following the solutions outlined in this article,
ffmpeg -i your_audio_file.flac -acodec pcm_s16le output.wav
The most common culprit is attempting to import an or OGG file directly into a project where the output is set to copy, or simply because the internal decoder is failing to read the file header.
If the audio sampling rate (e.g., 48kHz) differs significantly from the video's expectations, it may reject the file.