How to Make Customized Ringtones

Cell phones are more popular than ever. While the convenience of mobile communication remains as their strong point, the evolving nature of the cell phone has provided for more features that enhance cell phone functionality and allow for more user customization. One area where functionality and user customization meet is in customized ringtones.

Whereas old cell phones did not give users many options for ring styles, newer models are flexible--they allow for the use of interchangeable formatted sound files rather than ring styles that are hard wired into the phone. These sound files are the same format as the files that are listened to on mobile audio devices: mp3. Because the mp3 format is ubiquitous, cell phone users can create and edit them to produce ringtones and then uploaded or sent to a cell phone.

How to Make Customized RingtonesMany different methods exist for users to create customized ringtones; a few of them are listed below.

How to Make Customized Ringtones Using iTunes

One of the most popular programs used for managing music is Apple’s iTunes. Although used with iPods and iPhones, iTunes is also used to purchase and download music files onto a PC. These files are converted to mp3 format within the iTunes interface. 30 second or shorter sound clips are created from those mp3 files and then uploaded to cell phones for use as ringtones.

How to Make Windows Movie Maker and WinFF

Some cell phones either won’t handle mp3 ringtones, but can still benefit from customized ringtones. The way to do this is to create a movie file using Windows Movie Maker. To do this:

  1. Add an image and an mp3 file to a Windows Movie Maker project.
  2. Create a 30 second clip and publish it to the computer.
  3. Import the movie clip into WinFF
  4. Using WinFF convert the clip to CDMA Phone Audio (3g2) format and then save it to the cell phone.

How to Make Customized Ringtones Using Adobe Soundbooth CS4

Adobe Soundbooth is one of the premier audio editing software programs available on the consumer level. While useful for adding and editing sound for video recordings or to create music productions, Adobe Soundbooth can add multiple tracks to a file that can accommodate a broad range of loops, special effects, voice, and sound files. Users can insert rhythms, change pitch, speed, and a host of other special effects.

These controls can help users create a unique sound that will set their phone apart from the rest. This software allows users to push their creativity to the limit and then export it as an mp3 file for use as a ringtone.

How to Create Customized Ringtones Using Apple’s Garage Band Software

Garage Band is an enhanced editing program made available by Apple. This functions much in the same way as Adobe Soundbooth, but in a more elementary manner. Garage Band also has the benefit of saving ringtones to iTunes so the customized ringtones created can sync to a user’s iPhone.

Garage Band can create advanced ringtones either from songs stored in iTunes, or user created audio files. Multiple tracks are supported in Garage Band, so users can create powerful mixes for ringtones. Garage Band is available for Apple’s Macintosh computers right now, so PC users won’t find this as a very good option.

How to Make Custom Ringtones Using Audacity

Audacity is a free open source audio editing platform. With powerful features that approach the level of Adobe’s, Audacity is used to create mix, and manipulate sounds into one mp3 file. Users can create the sound they want and then upload it via Bluetooth, USB cable, or email to a cell phone. This is a great option for phones that can use mp3 files as ringtones.

Making Customized Ringtones with Online Ringtone Creators

While many online ringtone creation web sites are scams and are often dangerous, some provide legitimate services. These sites provide the interface to upload a song, create a clip, and then either save it as a ringtone file or send it to the user’s phone. This is a convenient option that can save users a lot of time, but warrant a careful approach.

Concept Review

The basic approach toward creating customized ringtones is the same regardless of what tools you use:

  1. Find or create a song or sound file for use as the source for a ringtone.
  2. Within that file, select up to 30 seconds for a ringtone clip.
  3. If desired, edit clip with fades and loops, or mix it with other tracks to produce unique sounds.
  4. Upload the new ringtone file to the cell phone.
  5. Once a customized ringtone is on the cell phone, assign it in one of the several roles on the phone. Ringtones are used for clock alarms, calendar events, default incoming calls, or for association with particular contacts.

Creating customizable ringtones is a daunting task at first, but with a bit of practice users become adept at it. Users should think of it as a learning experience and a challenge that will expand their technical skill while making their cell phone ringtones the coolest on the block.

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