.AAE File Extension

Sidecar Image Edit File

Developer	Apple
Popularity	Average rating 3.3 / 5. Vote count: 233
Category	Data Files
Format	.AAE
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an AAE file?

Files with the .AAE file extensions are associated with Apple’s Sidecar feature. These files play a crucial role in enhancing the experience of using an iPad as a secondary display for a Mac.

While they are not actual image or document files, .AAE files store important metadata that helps maintain the appearance of edited photos or videos when transferred between a Mac and an iPad.

More Information.

When Sidecar was introduced, its primary purpose was to facilitate a seamless workflow for creative professionals and users who needed precision and flexibility in their work.

.AAE files were designed to retain non-destructive editing information and ensure that photos and videos edited on an iPad would look the same when opened on a Mac.

Origin Of This File.

The .AAE file extension originated with the introduction of Sidecar in macOS Catalina (version 10.15) and iPadOS 13. Sidecar allows users to extend their Mac desktop to an iPad or use it as a drawing tablet with supported applications. .AAE files were introduced to carry over photo and video edits made in the Photos app on the iPad back to the Mac.

File Structure Technical Specification.

.AAE files are XML-based and contain instructions on how to apply edits to the associated media file. These edits may include adjustments like cropping, color correction, rotation, and more.

The technical specification of .AAE files include details on the specific edits, their parameters, and the original media file’s location.

How to Convert the File?

Converting .AAE files to other formats may not be a common requirement, as they primarily serve as metadata files. However, if you need to convert them to a different format for some specific use, here’s how you can do it on different platforms:

Windows

Converting .AAE files in Windows may require a third-party tool or software capable of processing the metadata and applying the edits to your photos or videos:

Install Photo Editing Software: Install photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom on your Windows computer.
Import the Associated Media: Open the photo or video in the photo editing software, and then import the .AAE file along with it. The software should recognize the metadata contained in the .AAE file.
Apply Edits: Once the .AAE file is imported, you should see the edits applied to your media. Make any further adjustments if needed.
Export in Desired Format: After applying the edits, you can save or export the edited media in your preferred format, such as JPEG or MP4.

Linux

Converting .AAE files in Linux may require open-source photo editing software like GIMP or Darktable:

Install Photo Editing Software: If you haven’t already, install a photo editing application like GIMP, Darktable, or Shotwell on your Linux system.
Open Media File: Open the photo or video file that corresponds to the .AAE file in your chosen photo editing software.
Import .AAE Metadata: Some Linux photo editing software may have limited support for .AAE files. To import the .AAE metadata, check the software’s documentation or look for relevant plugins or extensions.
Apply Edits: Once you’ve imported the .AAE metadata, you should see the edits applied to your media. Make any necessary adjustments.
Export in Desired Format: Save or export the edited media in your desired format, such as JPEG or PNG.

Mac

On macOS, there’s generally no need to convert .AAE files because they are designed to work seamlessly with the Photos app. Edits stored in .AAE files are automatically applied when you open the associated media in the Photos app.

Android

Android devices do not natively support .AAE files, so you may need to convert them to standard formats like JPEG or MP4:

Use a Conversion App: Search for a file conversion app on the Google Play Store that claims to convert .AAE files to standard image or video formats.
Install and Launch: Download and install the selected app, then launch it on your Android device.
Select .AAE File: Use the app to select the .AAE file you want to convert.
Choose Output Format: Specify the desired output format, such as JPEG or PNG for photos or MP4 for videos.
Convert: Initiate the conversion process, and the app should generate the converted file in your chosen format.

iOS

On iOS devices, .AAE files are managed internally and do not typically require conversion. Edits stored in .AAE files are automatically applied when you open the associated media in the Photos app. If you wish to export the edited media to a different format:

Open Photos App: Launch the Photos app on your iOS device.
Select Edited Media: Locate the media file (photo or video) that you want to export in a different format.
Export: Tap the “Share” or “Export” option within the app. You can then choose to export the media in various formats, including JPEG or MP4, depending on the type of media.
Choose Export Settings: Customize the export settings as needed, such as resolution or quality.
Save or Share: Finally, save the media in the desired format or share it with others using the available options.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Non-destructive Editing: .AAE files allow users to edit photos and videos on an iPad without permanently altering the original files.
Cross-Platform Consistency: They ensure that edited media retains its appearance when transferred between a Mac and an iPad.

Disadvantages:

Limited Compatibility: .AAE files are primarily designed for Apple’s ecosystem and may not be useful on other platforms.
Metadata Dependency: If .AAE files are lost or corrupted, and edits made on an iPad may not translate accurately to the Mac.

How to Open AAE?

Open In Windows

View Metadata: Windows does not natively recognize .AAE files, but you can open them with a text editor like Notepad. This will allow you to view the XML-based metadata contained within the file.
Edit Photos: If you want to apply the edits contained in the .AAE file to your photos, you’ll need to use compatible photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, which can read and apply the metadata.

Open In Linux

Linux, like Windows, does not natively support .AAE files. However, you can view and edit them as follows:

View Metadata: Use a text editor such as Gedit or Nano to open the .AAE file and examine its XML-based content.
Edit Photos: To apply edits to photos, you’ll need to use photo editing software like GIMP, Darktable, or Shotwell, which can interpret the .AAE metadata and apply the changes accordingly.

Open In MAC

MacOS is designed to seamlessly handle .AAE files:

View Metadata: Double-clicking on a .AAE file will open it in the Preview app, allowing you to view its metadata.
Edit Photos: The .AAE file will automatically apply any edits to photos or videos in the Photos app when you open them on your Mac.

Open In Android

Android devices do not natively support .AAE files. To work with .AAE files on an Android device:

Convert to Standard Format: You may need to use a third-party converter or app to convert .AAE files into standard image or video formats like JPEG or MP4 that Android can handle.
View Metadata: Use a text editor app to open and view the XML content within the .AAE file.

Open In IOS

iOS and iPadOS natively support .AAE files:

Edit Photos/Videos: If you have an .AAE file on your iOS device, it will automatically apply edits to photos or videos in the Photos app when accessed.
View Metadata: You can’t manually open .AAE files on iOS devices, as they are managed internally by the operating system.

Open in Others

For other operating systems and devices, .AAE files may not be recognized or easily accessible. To ensure compatibility:

View Metadata: Use a text editor to open and examine the XML content within the .AAE file, if needed.
Edit Photos/Videos: If you wish to apply the edits contained in .AAE files to photos or videos, consider using a compatible photo or video editing software that supports the import and application of .AAE metadata.