6 Ways to Split Audiobook into Chapters

By Matt Smith Updated on February 13, 2025

split audible audiobooks

Splitting a long audiobook into several chapters makes it easy for audiobooks users to navigate the content. Instead of fast-forwarding and rewinding through the audiobook on your portable media player, you can jump ahead or backward to the chapter you want to hear. Creating chapters also makes it easier to label the point where you stop listening and find it next time. If you're looking for efficient ways to split audiobook into chapters, you've come to the right place – we've arranged six methods.

Part 1. Split Audiobook into Chapters on ViWizard

While Audible has a chapters menu option for selected audiobooks, many lack this feature. Additionally, if you get audiobooks from other sources like Amazon's Audible, iTunes, Hoopla, Scribd, and more, you may need to manually split them into chapters. This can be a daunting task, but ViWizard offers powerful audio solutions to make it easier. ViWizard's tools, such as Audible Converter and Audio Capture, are designed to handle your audiobook collection from various platforms efficiently.

1. Split Audible Audiobooks with ViWizard Audible Converter

Splitting Audible audiobooks into chapters can be tricky. Audible does offer a method to divide audiobooks into parts, but it's only available for audiobooks longer than 12 hours and doesn't actually split them into chapters. To overcome these limitations, ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter is a top recommendation.

When you need to split Audible audiobooks into chapters, ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter stands out. Audible's own method can be time-consuming and doesn't create chapter divisions. ViWizard provides a streamlined solution that lets you download the entire audiobook and split it into chapters effortlessly. It corrects chapter mismatches, supports bulk converting, and provides a user-friendly experience. Ensure you already have the AA or AAX files for your audiobooks, and you're good to go.

audible audiobook converter

Key Features of ViWizard Audible Converter:

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  • Converts Audible audiobooks to MP3 with chapters.
  • Effortlessly splits Audible audiobooks into chapters within a few clicks.
  • Allows customization of volume, speed, pitch, and tags.
  • Compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
  • Offers a free trial version for evaluation.

Step 1Import Audible Audiobooks to ViWizard

add audible audiobooks

First, download the Audible audiobooks you wish to split. Then, open ViWizard Audible Converter, click upper left white "Add Files" icon to upload Audible files.

Step 2Split Audible Files into Chapters

split audible files

Click on the Edit icon (resembling a pen) on the ViWizard Audible Converter screen. Select your preferred method to split files – either by time or by chapter. To change the format, click the Format panel in the bottom-left corner where you can choose various audio formats (e.g., MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, WAV, M4A).

choose output format

Step 3Export the Audible Audiobooks with Chapters

download audible audiobooks

Click the "Convert" button so that ViWizard will remove the DRM from Audible and convert the audiobook files within a few minutes. Once the conversion is complete, you can find the converted files in the output folder you selected.

Note: Utilize ViWizard's built-in player to listen to the converted audiobooks directly within the application.

2. Split Any Audiobooks with ViWizard Audio Capture

Many users obtain audiobooks from sources other than Audible, such as Hoopla, Scribd, or even MP3 audiobooks. If you want to split these audiobooks into chapters, ViWizard Audio Capture is an excellent option because it works with multiple platforms. ViWizard Audio Capture not only offers splitting, but also supports cutting, and merging audiobooks. For instance, if you want to merge multiple chapters into one audiobook, you can do that too.

ViWizard Audio Capture is ideal for users seeking a hands-on approach to splitting audiobooks. It allows you to record audiobooks and then split them into smaller clips, resembling chapters. Although this method requires users to play the audiobook in real time, it offers flexibility for audiobooks downloaded as audio files.

audio capture

Key Features of ViWizard Audio Capture

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* Security verified. 5, 481,347 people have downloaded it.

  • Captures audio from any source, including online audiobook platforms.
  • Records audiobooks from sources like Audible, iTunes, Scribd (Everand), Hoopla, and more.
  • Splits recorded audio into smaller segments, resembling chapters.
  • Offers a hands-on approach for users who prefer manual control.

Step 1Download and Install ViWizard Audio Capture

main interface

Download and install ViWizard Audio Capture on your computer. Launch the ViWizard software. Choose the record source from the drop-down source. If you are playing the audiobook from Everand (Scribd) website in the Google Chrome browser, select Chrome as the source for recording.

Step 2Configure Capture Settings

set format

Click on the Format button in the bottom-left corner of ViWizard Audio Capture's main interface. Choose MP3 for optimal compatibility and confirm your choice by clicking "OK."

Step 3Record the Audiobook

record audio

Start playing audiobooks on your computer (you can record multiple audiobooks simultaneously at once). Return to ViWizard Audio Capture and click on the Record button. Once the audiobook is reaching the end, click the Stop button.

Step 4Edit and Trim the Recorded Audio

trim audio

Use ViWizard's built-in editing tools to refine your recording. You'd trim away any unnecessary segments to ensure your exported MP3 captures precisely what you want.

Step 5Export the Edited Audio to MP3 with Chapters

search files

Click on the Save button and access the recorded audio files in the History window within ViWizard Audio Capture. Alternatively, locate the exported MP3 file in your designated destination folder.

Part 2. Split Audiobook into Chapters on iTunes

iTunes, a popular media player for both Mac and Windows users, not only plays Audible books but also provides the functionality to split audiobook into chapters.

Note: iTunes does not support DRM-protected files. This means that you should first convert the audiobooks (if they are DRM-ed) via ViWizard Audible Converter or record them with ViWizard Audio Capture for DRM-free audio files compatible with iTunes.

Step 1Import Audible MP3 Files to iTunes

add local files to itunes

  1. On the top menu of iTunes, click "File."
  2. Select "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library."
  3. Choose and import the converted Audible MP3 files or the folder containing them.
  4. Your imported files will appear in the Recently Added tab of the Library pane.

Step 2Set Audiobook Duration in iTunes

determin time for each chapter itunes

  1. Before splitting, play the audiobook on iTunes to determine the desired duration.
  2. Right-click the audiobook and click "Get Info."
  3. Navigate to the Options window.
  4. Enter the start time and stop time as per your desired audiobook duration.
  5. Click "OK" to save your adjustments.

Step 3Configure iTunes Preferences

set itunes mp3 encoder

  1. Go back to the menu bar and click "Preferences" under the "Edit" menu.
  2. In General Preferences, select "Import Settings" at the bottom right corner.
  3. On the dropdown menu of "Import Using," select "MP3 Encoder."
  4. Click "OK" to confirm the settings.
  5. Click on "File" > "Convert" > "Create MP3 Version."
  6. After the operation, a new MP3 file extracted from the audiobook will display in the Recently Added tab.
  7. You can now play this newly created MP3 chapter on iTunes.

Part 3. Split Audiobook into Chapters on Audacity

Audacity, a free and versatile audio editing software, provides users with the capability to trim and split unprotected audiobooks, such as MP3 audiobooks, into chapters. For protected Audible and iTunes audiobooks, additional steps are required, including converting them to MP3 format first. To enhance the process and ensure a seamless experience, it is recommended to use ViWizard software like ViWizard Audio Converter.

Step 1Launch Audacity and Import Audiobook

import audio to audacity

  1. Launch Audacity on your computer.
  2. Go to "File" > "Open" or select "File" > "Import" > "Audio" to upload your Audible titles into Audacity.

Step 2Split the Audiobook into Chapters

split audiobook into chapters on audacity

  1. Use the cursor to locate the place where you want to split.
  2. Click on Edit in the menu bar.
  3. Select Audio Clips, click Split.

Step 3Export Selected Audio

audacity export audio

  1. Go to "File" > "Export Audio."
  2. A new box will appear, allowing you to select the output format, choose the storage location, and rename the file.

Part 4. Split Audiobook into Chapters on GarageBand

GarageBand, a powerful digital audio workstation, offers a creative platform for users to split and edit audiobooks into chapters. While GarageBand is commonly associated with music creation, it can be utilized for audiobook editing with ease. Follow these steps to split an audiobook into chapters using GarageBand.

Note: GarageBand is only available for macOS and iOS. Apple has not released an official version for Windows. If you see any website claiming that it provides a GarageBand Windows version, be cautious!

Step 1Launch GarageBand and Import Audiobook

add audio to garageband mac

  1. Launch GarageBand on your Mac.
  2. Go to the "Media" browser on the right side.
  3. Import your audiobook by dragging and dropping it onto the timeline (For DRM-ed audiobooks, make sure to convert them via ViWizard for a compatible format on GarageBand.)

Step 2Split Audiobook into Chapters

split audiobook into chapters on garageband

  1. Click on the audio track.
  2. Move the playhead to the desired chapter break.
  3. Click on Edit > Split Regions at Playhead to split the audiobook.
  4. Repeat for each chapter break.

Step 3Export Edited Audiobook

export edited audiobook on garageband

  1. Once chapters are arranged, go to "Share" > "Export Song to Disk."
  2. Select the desired output format (e.g., MP3) and configure other export settings.
  3. Choose the storage location and provide a name for the exported file.
  4. Click "Export" to save the edited audiobook with split chapters.

Part 5. Split Audiobook by Chapters on VLC

VLC media player, a versatile and free software, provides unexpected editing options for audiobooks. Although VLC doesn't support Audible AA/AAX formats, you can utilize ViWizard Audible Converter to remove protection and convert them to a VLC-supported format, such as MP3.

Step 1Import MP3 Audiobooks to VLC

vlc media player open file

  1. Launch VLC Media Player on your computer.
  2. Drag and drop the prepared MP3 file into VLC.
  3. Alternatively, click "Media" > "Open File" and select your MP3 audiobook.

Step 2Split Audiobook in VLC

split audiobook into chapters on vlc

  1. Click View in the menu bar. Choose Advanced Controls.
  2. Click on the red Record button and play the audiobook.
  3. Click on the red Record button again when you reach the point where you want the audio clip to stop.

Step 3Save Split Audiobook in VLC

vlc convert save

  1. Click Media and choose Convert/Save.
  2. Verify the default export path (e.g., C:\Users\Your_Computer_NAME\Music or MyMusic).

Pro Tip: Choose the Right Tool for Audiobook Chapter Splitting

After exploring the six methods for splitting Audible audiobooks into chapters, it's essential to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

To facilitate your choice, we've compiled a comprehensive table highlighting key features of each tool. Review the table below to streamline your decision-making process and find the solution that aligns with your audiobook editing requirements.

Feature ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter ViWizard Audio Capture Audacity iTunes GarageBand VLC Media Player
Platform Windows, Mac Windows, Mac Windows, Mac, Linux Windows, Mac Mac Windows, Mac, Linux
Supported Audiobook Formats Audible AA/AAX Any playable audio DRM-free formats (MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, etc) DRM-free formats (AAC, AIFF, MP3, WAV) DRM-free formats (AIFF, WAV, AAC, MP3, MIDI) DRM-free formats (MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, etc)
Output Formats MP3, AAC, FLAC, M4A, M4B, 2AV, etc MP3, AAC, FLAC, M4A, WAV, M4B MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, M4A, etc AAC, AIFF, MP3 MP3, AAC, AIFF, WAV MP3, AAC, FLAC
Splitting Method By chapter, time, or segments Manual splitting Manual splitting Manual splitting Manual splitting Manual splitting
Automatic Splitting
Metadata Retention ✅(limited)
Speed Fast (batch processing) Medium (real-time capture) Medium (depends on editing) Slow (must convert manually) Medium (depends on editing)(limited) Medium (real-time playback)
Ease of Use ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Price Paid (Free Trial available) Paid (Free Trial available) Free (Requires Beforehand Conversion) Free (Requires Beforehand Conversion) Free (Requires Beforehand Conversion) Free (Requires Beforehand Conversion)

Final Verdict: Find Your Perfect Audiobook Splitter

  • Want hassle-free chapter splitting with metadata retention? → ViWizard Audible Converter is your best choice.
  • Need to capture and split audio from streaming or any source? → Go for ViWizard Audio Capture.
  • Looking for a free, open-source tool with advanced editing features? → Audacity is perfect.
  • Need to manage audiobooks in iTunes and need a built-in option? → Choose iTunes.
  • Mac user? Want to split and edit audio manually? → GarageBand does this job.
  • Just need a simple, free tool to cut audiobooks? → VLC Media Player is a basic but effective tool.

Conclusion

Comparing these 6 methods, I'm sure you've found the tool that interests you. Splitting long audiobooks into small chapters or segments with ViWizard Audible Converter will help you eliminate the hassle of playing audiobooks in players with limited storage space, and you can easily select the chapters you want to play forward or backward. What's more, you don't have to worry about Audible audiobook limitations. Simply play the new audiobook on any device you own. Believe it or not, this is the fastest and easiest way I've found. Just get ViWizard Audible Converter and any user (including newbies) will be able to split Audible audiobooks like a pro. If you haven't tried this amazing converter yet. Why not download it and give it a try?

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