Opening an AAE file on Windows 10 might seem tricky at first, but it’s quite straightforward once you know what to do. AAE files are usually associated with Apple’s Photos app, containing edits made to photos. While you can’t open them directly on Windows, you can still see the original image and its edits by following a few simple steps.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to view the contents of an AAE file on Windows 10, ensuring you can see the edits made to your photos.
Step 1: Locate the AAE file
First, find the folder where your AAE file is stored.
AAE files are typically found alongside their corresponding JPEG images in the same folder. Make sure you have both the image and the AAE file.
Step 2: Open the JPEG image
Open the JPEG image using any photo viewer on Windows 10.
Since the AAE file contains edits, looking at the original JPEG image helps you understand which photo the edits are associated with.
Step 3: Transfer the file to an Apple Device
Move the JPEG image and its associated AAE file back to an Apple device.
On an Apple device, the Photos app will automatically apply the edits stored in the AAE file, allowing you to see the final result.
Step 4: Utilize third-party software
Use third-party software designed to read AAE files on Windows.
Some software can interpret AAE files, showing the edits made to a photo. Research and choose a reliable program for this task.
Step 5: Manual Interpretation
Manually interpret the content of the AAE file by opening it with a text editor.
AAE files are XML-based, meaning you can open them with Notepad or any other text editor to see the editing instructions.
After you complete these actions, you’ll be able to see the original image and have an idea of the edits made to it through the AAE file.
Tips for Opening an AAE File on Windows 10
- Always keep the JPEG image and AAE file together to ensure edits are applied correctly.
- Consider using cloud storage like iCloud to transfer files between Apple and Windows devices seamlessly.
- Look for reputable third-party software; not all apps can read AAE files effectively.
- If you’re frequently dealing with AAE files, consider keeping an Apple device handy.
- Regularly back up your photos and associated AAE files to prevent data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AAE file?
An AAE file is an XML-based file used by Apple Photos to store editing information for a photo.
Can Windows 10 open AAE files directly?
No, Windows 10 cannot open AAE files directly, but you can work around this by using third-party software or transferring the files to an Apple device.
Is it safe to delete AAE files?
Yes, you can delete AAE files, but you’ll lose the edits associated with the original photo.
What software can open AAE files on Windows?
There are a few third-party programs like Snapseed that can open AAE files on Windows.
Why can’t I see my edits on Windows?
Windows doesn’t support AAE files natively, which is why you must use an alternate method to view the edits.
Summary
- Locate the AAE file.
- Open the JPEG image.
- Transfer the file to an Apple device.
- Utilize third-party software.
- Manual interpretation.
Conclusion
Navigating the technicalities of AAE files on Windows 10 can initially seem daunting, but it’s manageable with the right steps and tools. Understanding that these files store edits for photos is key. While Windows doesn’t natively support AAE files, using the methods outlined above ensures you can view your edited images without hassle.
For frequent photo editors, having a seamless workflow between Apple and Windows devices is invaluable. Whether you rely on third-party software or transfer files back to an Apple device, these techniques keep your photos looking their best. Don’t shy away from exploring and experimenting with these methods. With regular practice, you’ll become proficient at handling AAE files on Windows 10, making your photo editing tasks smoother and more efficient. For more details on photo management and editing, consider looking into additional resources and guides.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.
If you’ve ever tried to open an AAE file on your Windows 10 computer, you might have found yourself scratching your head. AAE files are associated with Apple’s Photo app, and they store edits made to photos on iOS devices. While these files are typically not needed on Windows, there are ways to access the information they contain. Here’s a quick guide on how to open AAE files on Windows 10.
Opening AAE files on Windows 10 is not as straightforward as double-clicking a file. Since these files are essentially XML documents containing photo edit information, you’ll need a text editor to view them. The following steps will guide you through the process of opening AAE files on your Windows 10 computer.
Step 1: Locate the AAE File
Find the AAE file on your computer. It is usually stored in the same folder as the original photo.
When you transfer photos from an iOS device to your Windows computer, any edits made on the iOS device will be saved as AAE files. These files will have the same name as the original photo but with an .aae extension.
Step 2: Right-Click the AAE File
Right-click the AAE file and select «Open with» from the context menu.
This will bring up a list of programs you can use to open the file. If you don’t see the program you want, you can choose to browse for it.
Step 3: Select a Text Editor
Choose a text editor like Notepad or Notepad++ from the list.
Text editors will allow you to view the XML content of the AAE file. Notepad comes pre-installed on Windows, but Notepad++ offers a more feature-rich environment.
Step 4: Open the File
Click «OK» to open the file in your chosen text editor.
The AAE file will now open, displaying the XML code. This code contains information about the edits made to the corresponding photo.
Step 5: Interpret the XML Data
Read through the XML code to understand the edits.
While it might look confusing at first, the XML tags contain information about the changes made to the photo, like cropping, adjustments, and filters.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have access to the edit information stored in the AAE file. This can be useful if you want to manually apply these changes in a different photo editing software.
Tips for Opening AAE Files on Windows 10
- Use Notepad++: Notepad++ is more user-friendly for reading XML files than the standard Notepad.
- Keep Original Photos: Always keep the original photos in case you want to revert any changes.
- Understand XML Basics: Familiarize yourself with basic XML tags to better understand the data.
- Back Up Files: Make a backup of your AAE files before making any modifications.
- Use Dedicated Software: Consider using photo editing software that supports AAE files for a more seamless experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AAE file?
An AAE file is an XML-based file created by Apple’s Photos app that stores edit information for photos.
Can I delete AAE files?
Yes, you can delete AAE files, but you will lose the edit information stored in them.
Why can’t I open AAE files on Windows?
AAE files are designed for Apple’s ecosystem and require a text editor to open on Windows.
Do I need special software to open AAE files?
No, you can use any standard text editor like Notepad or Notepad++.
Will deleting an AAE file affect my photo?
Deleting an AAE file will not affect the original photo but will remove any edits made to it.
Summary
- Locate the AAE file.
- Right-click the AAE file.
- Select a text editor.
- Open the file.
- Interpret the XML data.
Conclusion
Opening AAE files on Windows 10 might seem like a hassle, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow the steps outlined above. These files store valuable edit data, and while they’re more useful within Apple’s ecosystem, they can still be accessed on a Windows machine with the right tools. By using a text editor like Notepad or Notepad++, you’ll be able to view and interpret the XML code contained in AAE files. So, next time you stumble upon an AAE file, you’ll know exactly what to do! For further reading, you might want to look into XML parsing or photo editing software that can handle AAE files natively.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.
Read his full bio here.
При копировании фото с iPhone на компьютер, вы можете обнаружить, что помимо самих файлов фотографий с расширением HEIC или JPG, в папке присутствуют файлы AAE, назначение которых не ясно.
В это статье о том, что представляют собой файлы AAE, нужны ли они и можно ли их удалить, как и чем открыть такой файл.
Файлы AAE — настройки изображения, применённые в приложении Фото на iPhone
Если после создания фотографии вы как-либо редактируете фото встроенными средствами вашего iPhone — используя приложение Apple Фото, исходный файл фактически не изменяется, а все сделанные вами настройки хранятся в файле с расширением AAE (предполагается, что расширение исторически пришло из старой программы Apple Aperture, которая уже не актуальна).
Это полезно, так как позволяет многократно корректировать фотографию или сбрасывать сделанные изменения, при этом качество изображения остается неизменным: если бы результат редактирования каждый раз фактически записывался в файл фото, выполнялось бы его перекодирование и по мере роста количества циклов редактирования-сохранения потеря качества была заметной.
При действиях, связанных с экспортом фото на самом iPhone: отправка по электронной почте или в мессенджере, открытие в стороннем приложении, будет отправляться результат объединения параметров из файла AAE и исходного файла JPG (то есть отредактированный снимок), хотя сам файл в памяти телефона или iCloud останется без изменений.
Файлы AAE при копировании с iPhone на компьютер
При копировании фото с iPhone на компьютер, в папке с фото для файлов, которые редактировались, вы увидите сразу три файла:
- Файл фотографии с именем вида IMG_NNNN.jpg или IMG_NNNN.heic — представляет собой исходный снимок, как он был снят на вашем iPhone.
- Файл с именем вида IMG_NNNN.AAE — применённые к снимку корректировки, сделанные в приложении «Apple Фото».
- Ещё один файл, с именем IMG_ENNNN.jpg или IMG_ENNNN.heic — то же фото, но уже с применёнными из файла AAE изменениями.
Отсортировав файлы по имени, вы можете выбрать, что именно вы хотите скопировать на компьютер — отредактированные или исходные фото: это позволит избежать дублей и не выполнять копирование лишних файлов.
Чем открыть файл AAE и можно ли его удалить
Как было отмечено выше, файлы AAE —файлы настроек. Внутри они представляют собой обычный документ XML, который можно открыть любым текстовым редактором, даже в стандартном «Блокноте».
Но какие-либо полезные данные получить из него не получится — все данные, связанные с примененными изменениями, закодированы.
Никакой необходимости в наличии этих файлов на компьютере, если в дальнейшем не планируется продолжение редактирования на Mac, нет: можете их смело удалять. В свою очередь, удаление файлов AAE из памяти iPhone ни к чему не приведет: вы их увидите снова при очередном подключении к компьютеру. Лишь после отмены сделанных вами изменений в приложении «Фото» и повторного подключения телефона к компьютеру, файлы исчезнут.
Last Updated on October 1, 2023 by Peter Wood
Search for some photos within your iPhone, Windows, or Mac, you might find some photo files in AAE format. What is the AAE photo format and how to open the AAE files in Windows 10, or even convert AAE to JPEG?
On an Apple device, the photo could be named IMG_123456.AAE. Actually, it seems impossible to open the AAE photos directly within the default Windows Photo Viewer on Windows. Just learn more details about the AAE files and the methods to deal with them from the article now.
- Part 1: What is AAE Photo Format
- Part 2: How to Open AAE Photo Files, or Convert AAR to JPEG?
- How to Open AAE files?
- How to Transfer the AAE Files?
- Should I Keep the AAE Files?
- Part 3: Is It Possible to Turn off AAE for Apple Photos
- Part 4: How to Open AAE or Locate the Associated Photos on Mac
Part 1: What is AAE Photo Format
When you come across the AAE files, you should learn more about the photo format beforehand. AAE file is an XML-based format created by Apple’s Photos application, which contains the information about the modifications made to the photo file. Similar to the other project files, such as DNG, which contains the original photos to remain unmodified in case users decide to revert photos to their original states.
Usually, the AAE files will be saved in the same folder as the output. It is a good method in order not to replace the original JPEG files. Of course, if you want to share the editing path for the photos, you can take advantage of the AAE photos, or even share them with professional photographers.
Because the AAE files are native to the Apple devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, it is not compatible with Windows or Android devices. As for the case, you have to transfer the associated photos with AAE to a Windows PC or an Android tablet.
Win Download Mac Download
Part 2: How to Open AAE Photo Files, or Convert AAR to JPEG?
Once you had the information for the AAE files, you can take advantage of the AAE photo format to transfer the files, open the photos for further editing, or even convert AAE to JPEG. Just learn more about the methods from the following part.
1How to Open AAE files?
When opening an edited JPG file in Photos on your iPhone or Mac, the app references the associated AAE file for any applied edits. The data in the AAE file is saved in XML format, which means they can be viewed with a text editor such as Apple Text Edit or Microsoft Notepad. But it only enables you to view the editing path in Windows 10.
Of course, you can also open the AAE directly within Photos or other photo viewers on Mac when the associated photos are available. But it is impossible to open the AAE file as an image on your Windows.
2How to Transfer the AAE Files?
If you need to further edit the photos with AAE files, you should transfer both the AAE files and the photos. One of the easiest methods is to send an email with an attached photo to you from an iPhone, in which the image is modified. Alternatively, you can choose to upload the edited version on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or another similar platform.
3Should I Keep the AAE Files?
Should you keep the AAE files or deleted them? When you have the associated pictures, you can take advantage of the file for further editing, or else, you can remove the XML files, which will not affect the output image. The advance to keep the AAE files is that you can keep both the original photos, and apply the edits with XML within one click.
Part 3: Is It Possible to Turn off AAE for Apple Photos
Different from DNG or EXIF, the AAE file is useless if you do not further edit the photos or even open them on Windows. Can you turn off the AAE option when editing them with the Photos app? Of course, if there are no edits, no AAE files will be generated.
Since AAE is only the information about the edits made to an image, it is impossible to convert AAE to JPEG or other file formats. When you need to revert the photos with AAE, you only need to make sure the AAE file is in the same folder as HEIC or JPEG photo, you can use the Photos app on iOS or macOS devices to revert the photos.
But you cannot turn off AAE when you edit the photos with the Photos app on iOS or macOS devices. If you do not want to use the sidecar AAE file format, you can use another photo editor app to edit the photos.
But AAE files are not always useless, especially when you need some basic edits for the photos on your iPhone. Even if you are using some professional photo editors, you should find similar sidecar XMP files.
Win Download Mac Download
Part 4: Best Photo Viewer to Browse Photos in Different Formats
Because the AAE files cannot be removed automatically, is there a method to open all the files and manage them easily, including the photos, videos, text, and PDF files? WidsMob Viewer Pro is a versatile file viewer that enables you to browse photos, including HEIC, Live Photos, and JPEG. You can also open the files in different modes, manage the files between different folders, and even apply the basic effects. Moreover, you can also view the metadata for the HEIC and JPEG photos from iOS or macOS devices with your Windows 8/10/11.
Win Download Mac Download
1. Open and manage RAW files, JPEGs, HEIC, AAE, and videos without extra codecs.
2. Browse your image files in full screen, slideshow, EXIF, thumbnail, etc.
3. Offer basic editing tools, such as crop, rotate, crop, apply filters and others.
4. Batch convert, rename and resize multiple ORF files at the same time.
Step 1: Download and install Once you have launched WidsMob Viewer Pro, you can drag and drop any HEIC or JPEG into the program. It will open the photos and files from iPhone, including HEIC, JPEG, MP4, AAE, and others. Just browse the different files from the same folder easily within the thumbnail mode.
Step 2: To remove them completely from your Windows, you can simply double-click the image or AAE file. Find and click the trash icon at the bottom to get rid of unwanted files, including the HEIC, JPEG, AAE, and others from your iOS device. It enables you to view the HEIC photos or even convert them into JPEGs.
Step 3: If you just need to apply some basic modification, such as crop the desired video part, check the metadata of the HEIC or JPEG files from your iPhone, and even manage all files from different folders within one program. Instead of the XMP or AAE file, it does not provide sidecar files.
Win Download Mac Download
Conclusion
When you find some AAE files on your iPhone, Mac, or Windows, you can learn more about how to use the AAE files from the article. It is an XML-based file that records the editing path for photos, which means you can only use AAE to revert the photos with the Photos app on iOS devices or macOS devices. If you need to manage the AAE files on your Windows, WidsMob Viewer Pro to browse, manage and edit the photos, videos, PDFs, and text files.
You may be interested
- What ORF Is and How to Open or Convert ORF Files on Windows and Mac
- Should You Convert PEF to JPEG to View Pentax RAW Images, Here is the Answer
- What is RAF File of Fujifilm Camera and How to Open RAF Files on PC/Mac
Do you know what is .aae files and how to open an AAE file on windows? We have seen many people around looking for the answer and decided to come up with a post to share with you the right information.
Coming across an AAE file type extension while transferring your files is quite common for any iOS user. Sometimes you also find such files quite inconvenient on several occasions.
These .AAE file type extension contains edits or alterations that you prefer to make on your images using photo apps on your Apple device.
Such types of extensions are known for transferring non-destructive types of changes that the users tend to make to the JPEG pictures to the Mac operating system via IOS.
It is essential to note that these files are available for use only in the case of iOS 8, iOS 10, and the subsequent versions.
Users can also use the option of deleting these file extensions without deleting the photos, though the edits you made will also disappear.
There are several text-editing programs available such as Notepad and TextEdit that you can use, which will display the changes you made to the pictures.
Table of Contents
What are .AAE files, and is it safe to delete them?
As a user, you will come across an extension like this while you transfer your photos, and you might find these files quite suspicious.
Others might notice this file extension while looking out for some particular images or in the sorting by type option in the finder.
These files can also exist on windows or versions of the Mac operating system. You might find these quite frustrating in the case of windows since the .AAE extension is always hidden, and you won’t even realize it since they look very similar to the image files and also displays a preview icon.
Though, while you attempt to open the file, a message will pop on your screen stating that this file type cannot be opened.
AAE files are XTML-based files and are created by Apple’s photo application and functions to store information pertaining to all the editing and alterations made to a particular file.
Also, note that these files also retain the original file in case the user wishes to revert. Remember that if you delete the AAE file, only the alterations made to the image will be removed and not the image itself.
How to open AAE files?
Opening iPhone AAE files Are quite a simple process, and you can view the images easily by following the few steps given below.
1- The first step is to display it, and this can be done by opening each of the edited pictures individually with the aid of a third-party IOS photo editor application followed by saving them again without any editing or alterations.
This is an effective way to create several copies in your camera roll with the AAE extension alterations.
All you have to do is get rid of the original pic and import the resaved picture with the modifications and editing.
2- Another alternative for this could be making use of an IOS application that is fully dedicated to transferring only AAE extension file types in order to transfer the pictures to the computer along with the retention of the alterations that were made to the original image.
Before performing the transfer, make sure that the application that you have chosen is compatible with this type of function.
Opening AAE files in Windows
If you have been suffering from problems related to the opening of such files in Windows, all the points which are given below will help you tackle such types of situations.
In the case of windows, the OS must know which kind of program you prefer to make use of.
Sometimes it so happens that the operating system automatically performs the function of searching for a suitable program even though you have manually searched from the programs displayed on the desktop.
There are provisions wherein you could also view the file extensions, and this can be performed in a few simple steps given below:
- Firstly, you need to upload your files to Dropbox.
- The next step is to log in to your Dropbox account in order to gather all the photos in their initial sizes.
- The final step is to mail all those pictures to yourself, though this process will result in the deletion of the original sizes.
In order to make use of the maximum potential of Windows, you have to use a suitable photo editor application on your Apple device.
Your task would be simply opening the application and importing all the necessary pictures followed by saving it again without any editing or alterations made to it.
Always check that the program that you select does not have the feature of adding watermarks to your pictures.
You also need to be sure that the program that you have selected does not crop or compress the images so that you can achieve the best possible results.
How to transfer photos to retain the existing modifications?
While you transfer pictures with modifications from your iPhone to the Mac computer that runs OS X or the later versions.
you will not encounter any kinds of issues, and the transfer will take place smoothly.
However, in the case of windows and some older versions of Mac OS, such as pre-os X Yosemite, the file with all the customization will be retained on your iPhone.
Even if such types of files are moved manually, there is no default application that can open them.
To resolve this problem, you must take the help of third-party software that can read .AAE file format.
If you are not a Mac OS user, then you might also face issues related to finding such a type of software to open the files with modifications.
In such a situation, the most suitable solution would be to either force your iPhone to make the necessary changes to the original or to export the copy that has undergone modifications.
Another efficient method is to simply mail yourself all the photos from the iPhone. You could also take up uploading them on social media like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
How to keep or delete AAE files?
Many people face the confusion of whether they should delete or keep these AAE files since they are not aware of the actual purpose of these files.
Note that if you delete these files on windows, there won’t be any adverse effect since they do not have a default software to open them.
Also, as a user, you need to keep in mind that if the original file is renamed, there will be a loss of connection between the modified file and the original file.
Therefore, if you rename a series of photos with modification and fail to remember the exact name of the images, then, unfortunately, they will be useless and irrelevant.
Note that deleting them will not affect your photos though might occupy a few kb of storage.
If you have been facing issues in how to open AAE files or problems related to retention of the alterations that you have made to your pictures on your iOS device, then this article will definitely help you deal with all these problems and give you some highly efficient solutions that will undoubtedly help you achieve the best output.
Frequently Asked Questions-
1. How do I open an AAE file?
If you are unable to open your AAE file correctly, try browsing your AAE file, and open it with Microsoft Word or an equivalent program.
2. Is it OK to delete AAE files?
It is generally safe and ok to delete AAE files from your computer if the file is non-active. But when you delete Active content files, make sure they are no longer in use before you delete them.
3. How do I convert AAE files to JPEG?
Make sure you have installed the correct software and downloaded the AAE file converter. Open an AAE file.
Now open the AAE converter, and make sure you select JPEG as the output format. When you are done with these steps, click the start button to convert your AAE file.
4. How do I view AAE files?
To view an AAE file, you will need an AAE file opener. If you do not have one, the best and safest way is to download and install an AAE File Opener on your device, such as Microsoft Word.
5. Are AAE files safe?
It’s safe to say AAE files aren’t intrinsically harmful. But as an executable file format, it might contain viruses and other malicious fragments that can be harmful to your computer and device.
When you download an .AAE file, make sure it is from a reliable source and has been scanned for viruses.
Hope now you are clear on what is AAE file and how to open an AAE file on windows. If still, you have queries, feel free to reach out.