Many of us may have received an email containing an AAE file attachment. The file type usually leaves the computers puzzled. How to handle it is not known by our machines. Well, dealing with AAE files can indeed be a bit challenging. In this article titled ‘What Is An AAE File? Everything You Need to Know About .aae File’ we will shed light on what they are and provide you with the know-how to unlock their secrets.
Understanding AAE Files
AAE files can often seem like enigmatic arrivals in your inbox or on your computer. Their uncommon file format is not readily compatible with Windows, primarily because they hail from a distinct domain – the domain of Apple’s iOS devices.
What is an AAE File. Where Do The Files Come From
The AAE file extension is an abbreviation for Apple Aperture Edits. It is created when you edit an image on any Apple device. Essentially, it is like a behind-the-scenes document that keeps a record of all the changes you make to a photo when you edit it. This file contains metadata, which is detailed information about what you did to improve or alter a picture.
AAE files are particularly handy because they allow you to revert any edits you made to a photo. In the past, older versions of iPhones used to make a copy of the photo before editing, but that meant you couldn’t undo changes once they were made. With AAE files, it is different. You now enjoy more flexibility.
These AAE files are housed within the very folder that houses the final edited image. Therefore, if you possess an original image in HEIC format, you will discover an accompanying AAE file bearing the same name but with a distinct file extension. Regrettably, on a Windows device, attempting to directly access this file to view the edits proves to be futile.
How to Open AAE Files in Windows
AAE files are a bit like hidden treasure chests filled with XML code that defines the edits made to an image. Although you can’t directly view the edited image itself, you can uncover the secrets within the AAE file using text editors such as Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code on your Windows computer. Here is a step-by-step guide to unlock this digital vault:
Transfer the AAE File: To begin with, transfer the AAE file from your Apple device to your Windows PC. This can be done through email, cloud storage or a USB connection.
Right-Click and Open With: Once the AAE file is available on your Windows PC, locate it in the desired folder. Right-click on the AAE file, and a menu will appear. From this menu, select “Open With.”
Choose “More apps”: A sub-menu will pop up, prompting you to choose an application for opening the file. Since AAE files are encoded in XML, we need a text editor to decipher their contents. Select “More apps” to explore additional options.
Select “Notepad”: From the list of available applications, scroll down and find “Notepad.” Select it, and then click “OK.”
View the XML Code: With Notepad now summoned, it will unveil the AAE file’s hidden contents, which consist of XML code. This code serves as a detailed map of the edits made to the image.
It is important to note that this process won’t reveal the edited image itself. Rather, it exposes the intricate details of the modifications applied. Apple’s Photos app on iPhone or MacBook uses this AAE file behind the scenes to automatically implement these edits when the AAE file is located in the same folder as the edited image. In essence, it is like peering into the artist’s sketchbook to understand how a masterpiece was created.
How to Open the Edited Image on Windows
To access the edited image that corresponds to the AAE file, there are a couple of methods you can employ:
Method 1: USB Transfer
Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Windows PC using a USB cable.
Once connected, your computer will automatically perform a format conversion. The photos, originally in HEIC format, will be transformed into JPG, a format that Windows can readily interpret.
Method 2: Cloud Storage
Alternatively, you can make use of cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to streamline the process:
Upload your edited images, along with their associated AAE files, to your preferred cloud storage platform.
This cloud-based solution enables you to access your images from any device with an internet connection.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to bear in mind that when making use of social networks such as Facebook or Instagram as an intermediary, your images could undergo a process known as compression. This compression serves the purpose of tailoring image sizes for seamless web viewing, but it carries the potential consequence of compromising image quality. Thus, while these platforms offer convenience, they might entail a sacrifice in image fidelity.
Should AAE Files Be Deleted
AAE files are essential for retaining your edits on Apple devices. If you delete the AAE file, any changes you made to the corresponding image will be lost. So, it is crucial to keep them if you have invested time in enhancing your photos. Fortunately, these files don’t take up much storage space. So, there is no need to worry about them cluttering your device.
Are AAE Files Safe
While it is natural for some users to question whether AAE files have any connection to viruses, it is important to clarify that they do not. These files are an integral and secure component of the Apple ecosystem, perfectly suitable for existence on your device. Nevertheless, it is wise to exercise caution and maintain antivirus software on your device as a proactive measure to safeguard against potential malware threats, which, in rare instances, could impact AAE files.
Verdict
While AAE files may seem mysterious and unfamiliar to Windows users, they play a crucial role in preserving your photo edits on Apple devices. Understanding how to handle them and their importance can help you make the most of your image editing experience.
