> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://cotovan.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Audio Ducking in Camtasia with the Audio Emphasize Effect - URL: https://cotovan.com/post/camtasia-audio-ducking-emphasize-effect/ - Published: 2024-05-02T00:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-02-16T20:37:06.000Z - Author: Cristi Cotovan - Tags: camtasia When you add background music to a [Camtasia](https://cotovan.com/camtasia) project, you often need the music to get quieter when someone is speaking and come back up during pauses. This is called **audio ducking**, and Camtasia makes it easy with the **Audio Emphasize** effect. ## What Is Audio Ducking? Audio ducking automatically lowers the volume of one audio track (like background music) when another track (like your voice) is playing. Instead of manually adjusting volume keyframes throughout your timeline, the **Emphasize** effect handles it automatically. ## Finding the Audio Emphasize Effect Open the **Audio Effects** panel in the left sidebar. You'll see all available audio effects: Audio Compressor, **Emphasize**, Noise Removal, Pitch, Fade In, Fade Out, Captions, and Clip Speed. Drag the **Emphasize** effect onto the audio track you want to prioritize — typically your voice narration track. ![Camtasia Audio Effects panel showing Emphasize effect with timeline tracks below](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/camtasia-audio-effects-panel-emphasize-1.jpg) The Audio Effects panel with the Emphasize effect highlighted ## Setting Up Your Timeline For audio ducking to work, you need at least two audio tracks — one with your narration or primary audio, and another with background music. In this example, the timeline has multiple tracks: a callout track, a shape track, the main video with voice, and a separate music track at the bottom. ![Camtasia timeline showing multiple tracks including callout, shape, video, and music with waveforms](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/camtasia-timeline-multiple-audio-tracks-1.jpg) A multi-track timeline with voice narration and background music ## Emphasize Properties After applying the **Emphasize effect**, select the clip to see its properties on the right side. The key settings are: - **Emphasis** — Controls how much the other tracks are reduced (0-100). Higher values mean more ducking. The default of 80 works well for most cases. - **Ramp** — Choose between **Outside** mode (ducks audio outside the selected clip) or toggle for different behavior. - **Ramp In** — How quickly the ducking fades in (in seconds). A value of 1s gives a smooth transition. - **Ramp Out** — How quickly the ducking releases after the voice stops. ![Camtasia Emphasize properties panel showing Emphasis slider at 80, Ramp set to Outside, and Ramp In/Out controls](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/camtasia-emphasize-properties-settings-1.jpg) The Emphasize properties — Emphasis at 80 with Outside ramp mode ## Applying the Effect Drag the **Emphasize** effect from the Audio Effects panel onto the track you want to emphasize — your narration track. [Camtasia](https://cotovan.com/camtasia) automatically detects when audio is present on that track and ducks all other audio tracks accordingly. ![Camtasia workspace with Emphasize effect applied, Audio Effects panel open, and timeline showing effect on tracks](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/camtasia-emphasize-effect-applied.jpg) The Emphasize effect applied to the narration track ## Fine-Tuning the Settings With the effect applied, you can adjust the properties to get the right balance. If the music is still too loud during narration, increase the **Emphasis** value. If the transitions feel abrupt, increase the **Ramp In** and **Ramp Out** times for smoother fades. ![Camtasia Emphasize properties panel on the right with video preview and Audio Effects panel](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/camtasia-emphasize-properties-panel.jpg) Adjust the Emphasis slider and ramp times to fine-tune the ducking ## The Result Once applied, the music plays at full volume during pauses and automatically ducks when speaking resumes. ## Quick Reference - **Effect location:** Audio Effects panel → Emphasize - **Apply to:** The track you want to keep loud (narration) - **Emphasis slider:** 80 is a good default (higher = more ducking) - **Ramp mode:** Outside — ducks audio on other tracks - **Ramp In/Out:** 1 second for smooth transitions The Audio Emphasize effect in [Camtasia](https://cotovan.com/camtasia) saves you from manually keyframing volume changes. Apply it once, adjust the settings, and your background music automatically ducks whenever you're speaking. If you’re wish to learn more about Camtasia and wish to have ****a one-on-one Camtasia coaching session**, feel free to [book a call with me](https://cotovan.com/coaching). I’m here to help you with any questions you have and to guide you through the best workflows, tips, workarounds, or just answer any questions you may have! [Book a session ](https://cotovan.com/coaching) ## Free Camtasia Tips, Tricks, and Training in Your Inbox I create regular training content on [****Camtasia**](https://cotovan.com/camtasia) \- if you're trying to learn the platform, I intend to teach all the ins and outs. Subscribe here and when a new article or video goes live, you'll be the first to know! Subscribe for free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.