**melcom's FFmpeg Audio Normalizer v2.1.0 (GUI Edition)**

This program is designed to normalize the audio volume of a given audio file using FFmpeg.
The normalized file is saved in the same directory with the suffix '-Normalized'.

**How to Use:**

1. **FFmpeg Requirement:**
   - You need the `ffmpeg.exe` file to use this program.
   - Download it from a reputable source if you don't have it already (e.g., from https://ffmpeg.org/ or a trusted build like those from https://github.com/BtbN/FFmpeg-Builds/releases/tag/latest).
   - **Important:** Place the `ffmpeg.exe` file in a location that the program can access. There are a few options:
     - **Recommended (using Options Dialog):** Place the folder containing `ffmpeg.exe` anywhere on your system. Then, in the Audio Normalizer program, go to "File" -> "Options" and specify the path to the folder containing `ffmpeg.exe`. This is the most flexible and recommended method.
     - **System PATH Environment Variable (Advanced):** Add the folder containing `ffmpeg.exe` to your system's `PATH` environment variable. This makes FFmpeg accessible from any command prompt or program. (This is for advanced users).
     - **Not Recommended:** Placing `ffmpeg.exe` directly in the same directory as the Audio Normalizer executable is generally not recommended for organizational reasons.

2. **Run the program:**
   - Execute the `AudioNormalizer.exe` file (or whatever the executable file is named after building - adjust name accordingly).
   - This version of the Audio Normalizer features a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for easier and more intuitive operation. The GUI is available in multiple languages (English, German, Polish), selectable in the Options dialog.

3. **Select and Normalize:**
   - Use the program's GUI to:
     - Select your audio file using the "Browse" button.
     - Choose your desired loudness normalization settings in the "Loudness Normalization Settings" group (LUFS Preset, Target LUFS, True Peak Preset, True Peak Value).
     - Select your desired output format in the "Output Format" group.
   - Click the "Analyze Audio" button to analyze your audio's loudness and view the analysis results in the "Process Information" field.
   - Click "Start Normalization" to begin the normalization process with your chosen settings. Progress will be displayed in the progress bar and "Process Information" field.

4. **Options:**
   - For settings such as the path to `ffmpeg.exe`, language selection, and log file options, use the "Options" dialog accessible under the "File" menu in the program's GUI.

5. **Help Files:**
   - For more detailed instructions and information, please refer to the help files.
   - To access the help files, locate the `help` folder in the program directory.
   - Open the `help` folder and you will find the help files in different languages:
     - `help_en_US.html` (English Help File)
     - `help_de_DE.html` (German Help File)
     - `help_pl_PL.html` (Polish Help File)
   - Open the `help_XX.html` file corresponding to your preferred language in a web browser to view the detailed help documentation.

**File Locations:**
- The main program executable (`AudioNormalizer.exe` or similar) is in the main program directory.
- Help files are located in the `help` subfolder within the program directory.
- Language files (`.json`) are located in the `lang` subfolder within the program directory.
- FFmpeg executable (`ffmpeg.exe`) should be placed according to the instructions in "How to Use - Step 1" (ideally path specified in Options dialog).

This software is open-source and distributed under the MIT License. See `LICENSE.txt` for details.

Regards,
melcom