Audio fading adds a professional touch to your soundtracks, but messing with audio usually means diving into complex software. Luckily, your smartphone and a few simple apps make fading audio effortless.

1WaveEditor for Android

WaveEditor is a versatile audio editing app for Android users that provides a range of editing features, including the ability toapply fade-ins and fade-outs. WaveEditor supports various audio formats and allows precise fade effects control. It’s a great choice if you want something straightforward but effective.

After launching WaveEditor, import your audio file by tapping theBrowsebutton and selecting it from your phone. Next, tap on theMacrooption, and chooseFade Infor the beginning orFade Outfor the end. You can adjust the duration of the fade effect using the slide bar overlayed on the waveform. After applying the fade effect, preview the audio to ensure it sounds right, then save your edited file.

Using the editing software on a phone.

The app also gives you access to a range of additional editing tools, such as multi-track mixing and macro processes such as fade, reverse, & invert. You can also undo and fix mistakes and batch format tracks into MP3, FLAC, or WAV files before exporting them.

Download:WaveEditor forAndroid(Free, in-app purchases available)

Using the audio editing function on a phone.

2GarageBand for iPhone

​​​​​​​GarageBand is Apple’s flagship music creation and editing app, and it’s perfect for users who want more control over their audio projects. GarageBand is one of thebest free music production software, but it’s also great for small edits like applying fade effects.

To add fade, open GarageBand and create a new project by selecting theAudio RecorderorTrackoption, depending on the source type you want to use. Then, import your audio file by tapping the+sign or by dragging it into the workspace.

Screenshot of the editing suite on a phone.

Select theAutomationbutton, which looks like a squiggly line, and you’ll see a blue line appear over the track, which controls volume. Tap on theblue lineto add points, creating a fade-in or fade-out effect.

You can adjust the points to shape the fade and preview the audio. Once you’re happy with your effect, export your project by tapping theSharebutton and choosing the format.

Audio Editor Screenshot from iPhone

Download:GarageBand foriOS(Free, in-app purchases available)

3Audio Editor Tool for iPhone

​​​​​​​If you’re looking for a less complicated yet still effectiveGarageBand alternative, Audio Editor Tool is a great option for iPhone users.This app simplifies the audio editing process, making it easy to apply fade-ins and fade-outs in just a few steps.

Open the app and launch the Audio Editor Tool, then load your audio file by tapping theOpenbutton. Tap on the track, and you’ll see several options, including theFade InandFade Outsymbols. ​​​​​​​

Lexis Editor

Audio Editor will automatically apply a default fade effect, but you can adjust the fade duration by moving a slider. After applying the fade, you will be played a preview. Once satisfied, tapSaveto store the edited file on your device.

This app also has a few other tricks up its sleeve—it can remove lyrics from tracks, allows you to add sound effects, and you can record any sound and edit it on the fly. It’s perfect for making quick edits and for anyone who doesn’t want to go through a complicated process.

Download:Audio Editor Tool foriOS(Free, in-app purchases available)

4Lexis Audio Editor for Android

​​​​​​​Lexis Audio Editor is another highly functional Android app that offers a rich set of features for audio editing. It supports multiple formats, including WAV, M4A, AAC, FLAC, and WMA, and allows for a variety of adjustments, including the ability to fade audio in and out.

Launch Lexis Audio Editor and then import your audio file by selectingOpen. Navigate to the section of the track waveform where you want the fade effect. You can zoom in for more precise editing. Go to theEffectsmenu and selectFade InorFade Out as needed. Lexis Audio Editor also allows you to adjust the fade’s length to fit your needs by adjusting the slide bar.

Listen to the result, and once satisfied, save the file by tapping theSavebutton. With a clean interface and easy-to-use tools, Lexis Audio Editor is perfect for anyone who needs both simplicity and advanced editing features in one app.

Download:Slow Shutter Cam forAndroid(Free, in-app purchases available)

5BandLab for iPhone and Android

BandLab is an all-in-one music creation platform that also serves as a social network for musicians. It’s packed with various music creation, editing, and collaboration tools.

Open BandLab and start a new project by selectingImport File. Select the track you want to edit, then tap the track on the waveform, then tap thethree white dotsand look for thefadeoption. Use the slider to add fade-in or fade-out curves to the track.

Preview the track with the fade effect; you can adjust the curves as needed for a smooth transition. Once happy with the results, save or share the project. BandLab is especially great if you want cloud-based collaboration tools, and its fade effects are simple to apply without sacrificing quality.

Download:BandLab forAndroidandiOS(Free, in-app purchases available)

Fading audio in and out is an essential skill. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to achieve professional-sounding results using your smartphone. All of these apps make it possible to fade audio in and out easily, and each provides different features depending on your editing needs.

Pick the one that works best for you, and enjoy adding smooth transitions to your audio projects without the complicated PC software.