aae

.aae — Photo Edit

Apple · 2015

Developer

Apple

Key Features

Stores image editing instructions, not pixel data.
Allows non-destructive editing and reversion to original.
Proprietary format developed by Apple.
Paired with the original image file.

Best For

Users invested in the Apple Photos app for image editing.
Maintaining edit history and flexibility for personal photos.
Ensuring you can always revert to an unedited version.

Less Ideal For

Sharing edited images with non-Apple users or platforms.
Web use or embedding where standard image formats are required.
Archiving final image versions that need immediate display.
Cross-platform compatibility for edited images.

Common Use Cases

Saving edited photos within the Apple Photos ecosystem.
Maintaining the ability to undo or modify edits later.
Syncing edited photos across Apple devices via iCloud.
Preserving editing history for digital photos.

How to Open It

Open the .aae file directly within Apple's Photos app on macOS or iOS.
If the original image and its .aae file are together, the Photos app will automatically display the edited version.
To view or use the edited image outside of Photos, you typically need to export it as a standard format like JPEG or PNG from within the app.
You can also use third-party tools or scripts designed to extract the edited image data from .aae files.

What is a .aae file?

The .aae file extension is primarily associated with Apple's Photos app on iOS and macOS. It's not a standard image format like JPEG or PNG; instead, it's a proprietary format that stores editing information applied to a photo. When you edit a picture in the Photos app, the original image data is preserved, and the .aae file contains instructions on how to recreate the edited version. This allows you to revert to the original photo at any time or apply those edits to different images.

Programs That Open .aae Files

Platform	Program
macOS	Photos	Free	Official
iOS	Photos	Free	Official

How to Convert .aae Files

Format	Method
.JPG	Apple Photos Export, Third-party converters
.PNG	Apple Photos Export, Third-party converters

Common Problems with .aae Files

⚠️ Cannot open .aae files on Windows or non-Apple devices.

Export the image from Apple's Photos app as a JPEG or PNG first. Alternatively, use specialized conversion tools.

⚠️ .aae files appear as separate files, and the image doesn't look edited.

Ensure the .aae file and its corresponding original image are in the same folder. The Apple Photos app reads the .aae file to apply edits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an .aae file?▼

An .aae file is an image editing data file created by Apple's Photos app. It contains instructions for how an image was edited, allowing for non-destructive editing.

Can I open .aae files on a PC?▼

No, .aae files are proprietary to Apple Photos. You must export the edited image from Photos on a Mac or iOS device as a standard format (like JPEG or PNG) to view it on Windows.

Why does my photo have an accompanying .aae file?▼

This indicates that you have edited the photo using the Apple Photos app. The .aae file stores the editing information so you can revert changes or continue editing later.

Technical Details

Technically, an AAE file is a data file that contains XML-based instructions detailing the adjustments made to an image. It references the original image file and describes transformations such as cropping, rotation, filters, and adjustments to brightness, contrast, and saturation. When viewing an edited photo, the Photos app interprets the AAE data to render the final image.

Did You Know?

The .aae format is essentially a recipe for an image, not the final dish.

It ensures your original photo data is never overwritten when using Apple's Photos app.

Security Information

AAE files are safe as they only contain image editing instructions and metadata. They do not execute code or contain malicious content themselves, but rely on the Apple Photos application to interpret them.