Export your Reaper project as MP3 in four steps

To export a Reaper project as MP3, go to File > Export project > Export as audio. Choose MP3 from the format dropdown, set your bitrate (128 kbps is standard for voice, 192 kbps or higher for music), name your file, pick a location to save it, and click Export. Reaper will render your entire project to a single MP3 file.

The process takes a few minutes depending on your project length and your computer's speed. Once the export finishes, you'll have an MP3 file ready to share, upload, or play on any device that supports the format.

Key Takeaways

  • MP3 export in Reaper starts from File > Export project > Export as audio, where you select MP3 as your format.
  • Bitrate choice affects file size and sound quality — 128 kbps for speech, 192 kbps or 256 kbps for music with instruments.
  • Reaper exports your entire project as one stereo file unless you manually select specific tracks beforehand.
  • The exported MP3 includes all effects, volume changes, and edits you made in your project.

Understanding bitrate and file size

Bitrate is the amount of audio data packed into each second of your MP3. Higher bitrate means better sound quality but larger file size. A 3-minute song at 128 kbps is roughly 2.8 MB; the same song at 320 kbps is about 7 MB.

For spoken word — podcasts, audiobooks, voice recordings — 128 kbps is standard and sounds clear. For music with drums, bass, and multiple instruments, most people notice quality loss below 192 kbps. If you're uploading to a streaming service or sharing online, check their requirements first; many platforms re-encode your file anyway, so going above 256 kbps rarely helps.

Exporting a single track instead of the whole project

If you want to export only one track from a multi-track project, right-click the track you want and select Set as master track. Then use File > Export project > Export as audio as usual. When you're done, right-click the master track again and select Unset master track to return to normal.

Alternatively, mute all the tracks you don't want to hear (click the mute button next to each track name), then export normally. Muted tracks won't appear in the MP3. Remember to unmute them afterward if you plan to keep working on the project.

Choosing where to save your file

When the export window opens, you'll see a file browser. Navigate to the folder where you want to save your MP3 — your Desktop, Documents folder, or a dedicated music folder all work. Type a name for your file in the filename field at the bottom. Reaper automatically adds the .mp3 extension, so you don't need to type it yourself.

If you export multiple versions of the same project, use descriptive names like "podcast_episode_5_final.mp3" or "song_mix_v2.mp3" so you can tell them apart later. Avoid special characters like asterisks or forward slashes in the filename, as they can cause errors on some systems.

What happens to effects and automation during export

Every effect you've added — EQ, compression, reverb, anything in your track's effect chain — gets baked into the MP3. Volume automation (changes you made to track volume over time) also appears in the final file. The MP3 is a snapshot of what you hear when you play the project in Reaper.

This means if you want to change an effect or undo an automation curve after exporting, you'll need to go back to your Reaper project file (.rpp), make the change, and export again. The MP3 itself cannot be edited — it's a finished audio file. Keep your original .rpp project file saved so you can make changes later if needed.

Troubleshooting common export problems

If Reaper exports a file that's silent or very quiet, check that your master track volume isn't turned down. Look at the fader on the master track (usually on the right side of the track list) — it should be at 0 dB or higher. If individual tracks are too quiet, raise their faders before exporting.

If the export seems to hang or take much longer than expected, your project may contain very long audio files or heavy effects. Close other programs to free up memory, or try exporting at a lower bitrate first to test. If Reaper crashes during export, check your hard drive for free space — exports need room to write temporary files. You can also try splitting your project into smaller sections and exporting each one separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export just a portion of my project instead of the whole thing?

Yes. Click and drag to select the time range you want in the timeline at the top of the window, then go to File > Export project > Export as audio. Make sure the option "Selected items only" or "Time selection" is checked in the export window. Reaper will export only that section.

What's the difference between exporting as MP3 and exporting as WAV?

MP3 is compressed, meaning the file is smaller but loses some audio detail. WAV is uncompressed and much larger but preserves everything. Use MP3 for sharing and playback; use WAV if you plan to edit the audio further or need maximum quality.

Do I need to install anything extra to export as MP3?

On Windows and Mac, Reaper includes MP3 export built in. On Linux, you may need to install the LAME encoder separately. If MP3 doesn't appear in your format dropdown, check Reaper's preferences under Rendering to confirm MP3 support is enabled.

Will exporting as MP3 delete my original Reaper project?

No. Exporting creates a new MP3 file and leaves your original .rpp project untouched. You can export the same project as many times as you want without affecting it.