Matt you can open Audacity with a file. However most people open Audacity and then load up the file they want to edit it is easier. You can Open or import a file the choice is up to you. Best bet is to try it out and see what it can do. I reckon it can do more than you think or give it credit for. One tip there are several versions and the most up to date is not as stable as the older versions. I have problems with 1.3 but previous versions work perfectly.