Make a ringtone that starts with the part you actually want

Use a song, a recording or a local video

You can start with an audio recording or take the sound from a video already on your computer. Choose MP3 for a phone that accepts MP3 ringtones, or M4R for an iPhone ringtone file. Check your device's supported format before exporting.

Turn the source into a short clip

1. Add the source with Add Audio, or use Add Media to select a local video. A video must contain an audio track.
2. Open the file's Edit window and choose Trim. Move the start past any silence and end the clip after the phrase you want.
3. Preview the cut. In Adjustments, add a short Fade in or Fade out if either edge sounds abrupt, then choose Save and Close.
4. Select an MP3 audio preset or Ringtone for iPhone. Keep separate ringtones as separate queue items rather than enabling Merge files.
5. Click Convert, listen to the exported ringtone and transfer it to your phone using the device's supported method.

Make the opening easy to hear

A long fade can hide the beginning of a short ringtone. Use only enough fade to make the cut comfortable, and avoid raising the volume until it distorts. If a video produces a silent result, check its audio track before trying another conversion.

• Follow the M4R ringtone guide