What is an AAE file?
The AAE file format (typically saved with the .aae extension) is a specialized sidecar file created by Apple’s photo ecosystem to preserve non-destructive edits. When you adjust a photo using the Photos app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the original image file remains untouched. AAE is a file type found on iOS 8 and newer, macOS 10.10 or later systems. It stores information about any edits made to .jpg photos in the Photos app. AAE files are in addition to original files and let users revert photos to their original state if required. When images are imported from macOS to Windows, the accompanying AAE files also get transferred.
AAE File Format
AAE files are saved to disc as XML files which is a human readable file format. This means it can be opened in any text editor such as Apple TextEdit on macOS and Microsoft Notepad on Windows OS. Notepad++ is another rich editor that can open AAE files.
When an edited JPG file is opened in Photo app, it reads the change log from the corresponding .aae file and apply the edits on the photo before displaying to user.
Key Characteristics of the AAE File Format
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| File Extension | .aae |
| System Role | Enables edit synchronization across devices via iCloud Photos. |
| File Type | Sidecar File / XML Data File |
| Core Purpose | To store non-destructive editing instructions separately from the original image file. |
| Content Format | Text-based XML (Extensible Markup Language). |
| Readable By | Primarily Apple Photos; structure can be viewed in any text editor. |
| Preservation Model | Keeps the original photo file completely unchanged. |
Advantage of AAE File
The advantage of using .aae files is that the original user images are not modified when edited.
Can AAE files be deleted on Windows?
AAE files accompany the edited pictures when you import these to Windows or some older version of macOS. As these files only contain the modifications information about the pictures, you can delete them without affecting the original images. These files have the same name as the associated pictures.
What is the difference between JPG and AAE files?
JPG is a widely used image format for photos, known for its efficient compression. Apple’s AAE files, created by Apple, are XML-based records that store editing instructions applied to JPG images within the Photos app. This system enables non-destructive editing, preserving the original JPG while the AAE file maintains a record of the edits.
It’s important to note that AAE files are specifically designed for Apple devices and the Photos app. If you transfer edited photos to a non-Apple device or use a different photo editing application, the edits may not be visible. To preserve the changes, you might need to ’export’ the edited photo as a new JPG file.
FAQ
Q1: Why did my photo edits disappear when I sent the photo to a Windows computer?
A: You likely transferred only the original image file; the accompanying .aae file containing the edit instructions was left behind or is unreadable by Windows Photos.
Q2: Is it safe to delete AAE files from my device?
A: If deleted, you will lose all edits associated with the corresponding photos, reverting them to their original, unedited state within the Apple Photos app.
Q3: Can I open and edit an AAE file manually?
A: Yes, you can open it in a text editor to view the XML code, but manual editing is complex and not recommended as it may corrupt the instructions.
Q4: Do AAE files take up a lot of storage space?
A: No, they are very small text files (usually just a few kilobytes) as they only store editing parameters, not image data.
Q5: How can I transfer a photo with its edits intact to a non-Apple device?
A: You must “export” or “share” the edited photo from the Apple Photos app, which creates a new, single image file with all edits permanently applied (flattened).
