Tips to open AAE file

Can't open the AAE file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open AAE files as well as a list of programs that support AAE files.

AAE file extension

File Name Apple Photos Sidecar Format
File Developer Apple
File Category Settings Files

The AAE file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the AAE files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the AAE file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 0
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 1
  • 0

What is AAE file?

The .AAE file is a file saved in XML format. It contains information on how to edit photos taken in the "Photos" program on the Apple iOS operating system. The user editing files in this way does not save the modifications to the original .JPG file, but to the .AAE file, the effects of which are applied to the original. The files have the same names, e.g. zdjecie.JPG and zdjecie.AAE. They must be in the same location. Deleting the .AAE file does not affect the source image, only the modifications made to it are lost.

How to open AAE file?

The main problem with Apple Photos Sidecar Format is that the AAE file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file AAE to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the AAE file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Apple Photos

In this case, you should first verify that the Apple Photos application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Apple Photos in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file AAE.

Programs to open AAE file

Remember to download programs supporting AAE files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Apple Photos with AAE files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the AAE file still does not use the Apple Photos program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the AAE file with the Apple Photos program.

Step 3. Update Apple Photos to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Apple Photos program with the Apple Photos Sidecar Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Apple, Inc. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the AAE file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the AAE file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the AAE file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected AAE files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the AAE files changes over time. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged AAE files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Apple, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted AAE files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the AAE file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the AAE file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file AAE to close. However, some background programs may block the AAE file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.