How to Edit a Song on iPhone

iPhones are highly capable devices that allow you to create music and edit it. You can trim audio, build songs from scratch, and much more using the built-in apps on these devices.
When you learn how to edit a song on iPhone devices, you can use GarageBand or iMovie. The information provided below will help you create the perfect music for your audience.
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to edit a song on iPhone
The best way to learn how to edit a song on iPhone devices is to use the iMovie app. This software has several built-in features that let you make the perfect track. The audio clips in this app will automatically show up under any video footage.
If you want to mix a song, you will need to access GarageBand. This app comes pre-installed on all new iPhone devices.
GarageBand allows you to change the tempo of a song when using the track view. Within the display, you will find the number in the middle of the screen.
Double-click on the digits and press erase on your iPhone’s keyboard. Type in the tempo speed you want for your song.
Move Audio Clips
When learning how to edit a song on iPhone devices, the best app you can use is iMovie. Moving the audio is one feature you can use to create theatric effects. Use the steps below to learn this feature.
1. Open a new project in iMovie.

2. Tap on the video to open the footage and audio timelines.

3. Long-press on the green audio clip.
4. Wait for the audio clip to pop off of the timeline.
5. Drag the audio clip to where you need it on the timeline.
6. Let go of the screen.

This feature will not work for background sounds.
Change the Duration of Audio Clips
It is easy to learn how to trim a song in iMovie on iPhone devices. You need your audio to match the footage you have available. To learn how to trim a song on iPhone apps like iMovie, use the steps below.
1. Open a new project in iMovie.

2. Tap on the blue audio clip below the video footage. You can also click on the background sound, which is green.

3. Wait for the yellow handles to appear.
4. Drag the yellow handles to where you need them. One should go at the beginning and the other at the end.

5. Tap anywhere else on the screen to exit the editing process.

When learning how to trim a song in iMovie on iPhone devices using this method, you will have to pay attention to the yellow handles. They will stop moving when you run out of available sound.
Split Audio Clips
If you want to learn how to cut music on iPhone apps like iMovie, you have to split the audio. Use the steps below to begin.
1. Open a new project in iMovie.
2. Move the timeline until the playhead is where the split should occur.

3. Tap on the audio clip to open the inspector.
4. Press on the scissors icon, followed by “Split.”

Another method you can use to learn how to cut music on iPhone devices is to swipe down on the playhead. You will automatically create a split where you move your finger.
Detach Audio from Video Clips
When learning how to edit a song on iPhone using iMovie, you may want to detach the audio. It will act like a separate file after using the below steps.
- Open a new project in iMovie.
- Tap on the video in the timeline to open the inspector.
- Click on the scissors icon. Press “Detach.”
You may need to follow these steps before moving or splitting audio, depending on your project.
Remove an Audio Clip from a Project
If you want to remove audio from your project when learning how to edit a song on iPhone devices, you can read the steps below. This method will keep the sound in the media browser on iMovie.
- Press and hold on to the blue audio clip.
- Wait for the audio clip to come off of the timeline.
- Release the screen when you see an icon of a puff of smoke.
- Tap the audio clip again and wait for the inspector to load.
- Press the scissors icon, followed by “Delete.”
Move Audio Clips to the Background or Foreground
iMovie will automatically lower audio clips if there is background noise. You can adjust this setting, ensuring that your sounds are in the foreground or background. Start with the below steps to get started.
- Open a new project in iMovie.
- Click on the audio clip on your timeline.
- Wait for the inspector to load at the bottom of your screen.
- Press on the scissors icon.
- Click “Background” to lower the sound more or “Foreground” to increase it.
Mix and Master the Song
When learning how to edit a song on iPhone devices through mixing and mastering, you will need to use GarageBand. The best method is to use the Remix FX controls.
To access the Remix FX controls, you will click on the “FX” button. Under these settings, you can reverse, scratch, or create effects on any of your music.

Use an EQ and Compressor to Edit a Song
If you want to take your editing capabilities a step further on GarageBand, you need to download the available plug-ins. Read about the EQ and Compressor options in the information below.
Use a Compressor to edit a songs on iPhone
The Compressor plug-in will adjust the volume of your audio so that it remains stable. It will smooth any sudden changes that show up in your track.

Use an EQ to edit a songs on iPhone
The EQ plug-in, which stands for equalization, will let you adjust the sound levels of specific frequencies. EQ will add a dramatic effect to any of your songs. You can make these changes as subtle or obvious as needed.

When you first purchase your iPhone, you will have to align the settings to your preferences. Some of those changes you will need to make involve your default apps and Siri.
When you first play a song by asking Siri, you will see a list of the music apps on your iPhone. Choose the software that you want to use, and it will automatically become your default.
Music Editing Tools For iPhone
With the newest versions of iOS, there are a couple of standard apps you can use to learn how to edit a song on iPhone devices. You can read more about iMovie and GarageBand in the information provided below.
iMovie
When learning how to edit a song on iPhone devices, iMovie is the best software for basic features. You can detach specific audio from a video clip, move it, or adjust the volume. iMovie will let you cut music if you only need specific parts of your song for a project.
If you want to use this app when editing, you can also learn how to trim a song in iMovie on iPhone devices. This feature lets you shorten your music as needed. If you want to perform more advanced editing on your music, you will need to use GarageBand.
GarageBand

As mentioned, if you want to learn how to edit a song on iPhone apps with advanced controls, you will need to access GarageBand. This software will let you mix a song using the FX features, allowing you to create the perfect sound.
GarageBand also comes with several plug-ins that you can install on your device. Download the EQ or Compressor options to adjust the volume of specific portions of your songs.
GarageBand will also let you adjust song sections, keeping an organized track of music. Use the list below to find out more about the types of edits you can create.
Add Song Sections using the GarageBand App for iPad
If you want to add a song section to your music, use GarageBand. Put in a chorus or verse using the steps below.
1. Open the GarageBand app and press the plus sign. This icon represents song sections.

2. Press “Add.”
3. Wait for an empty section to show up after the last one on the ruler.

4. Move the section where you need it.
5. Press “Done.”

The steps above will let you create a cohesive song without needing to use another app. If you share your music with others, they will understand every piece of the track.
Add a Copy of a Section to Your Song
If you know anything about music, you would understand that the chorus typically repeats itself. Rather than starting a new section from scratch, you can duplicate one. Use the steps below to begin.
- Open GarageBand and press on the plus sign on the right side of the screen. This icon will open song section controls.
- Choose the song section that already exists in your song that you want to copy.
- Press “Duplicate.”
- Wait for the copy to show up after the last section on the ruler.
- Move the copied section where you need it.
- Tap “Done.”
Set a Section to Fit the Length of Your Recording Automatically
When you add a new instrument or sound, the section will adjust to the size of your recording. If you import audio, these changes will not apply automatically. To change this setting, use the steps below.
- Open GarageBand and press the plus sign for song section controls.
- Look for the section you need to adjust. Press the information icon. It resembles an i in a circle.
- Toggle the button next to the word “Automatic.”
- Press “Done.”
Change the Length of a Section
If you want to learn how to trim a song on iPhone apps, you can change the length of your music on GarageBand. A song can be up to 2,000 bars long.
When extending a section using the steps below, it will automatically loop. When shortening one, it will end prematurely.
- Open GarageBand and the song section controls.
- Press on the information icon next to the song section you want to change.
- Turn the toggle switch off next to the word “Automatic.”
- Look for the word “Manual.”
- Tap the up arrow to increase the length.
- Tap the down arrow to decrease the length.
Play a Different Section
To change the sections you want to play, use the steps below.
- Open song section controls in GarageBand.
- Click on the section you want to play.
- Press “All sections” to play every section.
- Press “Done” to stop.
Change the Order of Sections
Finally, you can easily change the order of sections rather than manually rearranging them. Use the steps below to begin.
- Open song section controls in GarageBand.
- Press “Edit.”
- Drag a section to where you want it in the list.
- Tap “Done” when you finish.
- Press “Done” again.
With iOS 14.5, iPhones and iPads now let you change your preferred streaming services. Long-press on the side button on the right, or say “Hey Siri” in your phone’s speaker.
Ask Siri to “Hey Siri, can you play music using another app?” When the options load, select the option you want to use. Choose the appropriate app, and tap “yes.”
Edit Songs on Your iPhone
It is easy to learn how to edit a song on iPhone devices. You can use GarageBand or iMovie to start. Each of these comes with different features, depending on if you want to perform basic editing or advanced mixing.
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