.aqz — Adobe Photoshop Sketch Project
Adobe · 2014
.aqz files are project files from Adobe Photoshop Sketch, storing layers and brushes for mobile drawings that can be continued on desktop.
Key Features
- Preserves project layers and brush strokes.
- Enables seamless transfer between mobile and desktop Adobe apps.
- Stores drawing and painting metadata.
- Proprietary format specific to Adobe Photoshop Sketch.
Best For
- Preserving detailed mobile sketches with multiple layers.
- Maintaining the editability of artwork across Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Artists who primarily work on mobile and transition to desktop.
Less Ideal For
- General image sharing or web display (use JPG, PNG instead).
- Vector graphics editing (use SVG or AI).
- Long-term archival outside the Adobe ecosystem.
- Users not using Adobe Photoshop Sketch or Creative Cloud.
Common Use Cases
- Saving unfinished sketches and drawings from a mobile device.
- Transferring artwork from an iPad or Android tablet to a desktop for further editing.
- Archiving completed mobile art projects.
How to Open It
- Open the .aqz file directly within Adobe Photoshop Sketch on your mobile device.
- Import the .aqz file into Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator on your desktop.
- Ensure you have a compatible Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for full functionality.
What is a .aqz file?
The .aqz file format is a proprietary format used by Adobe Photoshop Sketch, a drawing and painting application for mobile devices. It stores the layers, brushes, and other project data created within the app. This allows users to save their work in progress and reopen it later in Photoshop Sketch or transfer it to other Adobe applications like Photoshop or Illustrator for further refinement. The format preserves the creative intent and flexibility of digital artwork created on a tablet or phone, making it a useful bridge between mobile sketching and professional desktop editing.
Programs That Open .aqz Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Adobe Photoshop | Paid | Official |
| macOS | Adobe Photoshop | Paid | Official |
| Android | Adobe Photoshop Sketch | Free | Official |
| iOS | Adobe Photoshop Sketch | Free | Official |
How to Convert .aqz Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .PNG | Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator |
| .JPG | Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator |
Common Problems with .aqz Files
Frequently Asked Questions
You can open .aqz files on computers running Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. Mobile devices can open them using Adobe Photoshop Sketch.
No, .aqz is a proprietary project file format specific to Adobe Photoshop Sketch and is not meant for general image viewing or sharing.
Technical Details
AQZ files are essentially compressed archives, likely containing XML metadata and raster image data for each layer. They are not intended for direct viewing but rather as a container for project states within the Adobe ecosystem. The internal structure is proprietary and undocumented by Adobe.