Since WAV files are a form of digital "container", they consist of the sum total of all parts of a recording. Individual recorded parts -- such as drums, guitars or vocals -- cannot be deleted or fundamentally altered, but they may sometimes be isolated with the use of filters to give the sonic illusion of individualized part editing. The problem with this approach is that editing will often have an effect on other parts which share similar sound frequencies.
Since WAV files consist of a completed recording, editing processes which involve the recording as a whole is standard practice in recording studios. WAV files may be cut, copied, pasted or trimmed at the beginning, end or any point in the middle of the recording. Equalization, sound effect filters, volume enhancers and other studio effects can be added to the file in its entirety or in specific sections of the song.
Any audio editing program that accepts WAV files can be used. With the program open, the user imports the WAV file, which then appears in a horizontal waveform display in the work area window. The user listens to the music, adding flags or markers to sections to be edited. Highlighting the flagged or marked areas with a mouse click or keyboard command will allow the operator to add effects, splices, trims or other editing processes to the chosen areas. Edits can be undone, modified and redone at will until the newly edited file is saved.
Another editing process that can be done to WAV files (as well as MP3s and similar music files) is the overlaying of additional recorded parts. Called "overdubbing", this editing process is popular with DJs, music artists, film and broadcast studios. The WAV file is imported to a computer recording program, additional recording tracks are added and a new master file is made. Most every film, TV or radio commercial and music recording uses overdubbing in some form as standard production procedure.
Always make a copy of the original WAV file and use the copy for edits. This preserves the original file for future use, or in case the editing process goes terribly wrong and the file is lost or irreparable. WAV files can be converted to MP3s to allow the convenience of smaller file size, and MP3s can be converted to WAV files for programs that do not allow MP3 editing. These MP3-to-WAV files can then be converted back to MP3s in the editing program.