AAE File – What is .aae file and how to open it?

AAE File Definition and Format:

An AAE file (Sidecar Image Edit File) is a companion file used in iOS and macOS systems. It stores metadata and editing information for RAW images without modifying the original file. AAE files are closely associated with HEIC or JPG image formats and serve as a “sidecar” file, providing non-destructive editing capabilities for image data. The AAE file format is an XML-based file that contains instructions on how the image was edited, including changes made to exposure, color balance, cropping, and other adjustments. It enables users to revert to the original image or apply different edits without compromising the integrity of the original file.

Advantages of Using AAE Files:

AAE files offer several advantages over traditional editing methods that directly alter the image data. Firstly, AAE files provide a non-destructive editing experience, allowing users to experiment with different adjustments without permanently changing the original file. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for photographers who want to preserve the original image for archival or future use. Secondly, AAE files are relatively small in size compared to the original image, making them easy to store and share. They also facilitate collaboration by enabling multiple users to edit the same image without overwriting each other’s changes. Additionally, AAE files are supported by Apple’s built-in Photos app and various third-party editing software, ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms.

Understanding Apple’s Sidecar Image Edit Files (AAE)

An Apple AAE file is a sidecar file that accompanies image files edited in the Photos app on Apple devices, such as iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It contains image adjustments and edits made to the original image, preserving the untouched original while allowing for non-destructive editing. AAE files are XML-based and store information about crop, exposure, color balance, filters, and other adjustments applied. This enables users to revert to the original image or modify edits at any time.

Opening AAE Files with Apple Photos App

To open an AAE file, you need to have the Apple Photos app installed on your device. The Photos app automatically detects and associates AAE files with their corresponding image files. When you open the image in the Photos app, the edits and adjustments stored in the AAE file are applied to the image, displaying the edited version. By default, the original image remains untouched, allowing you to make further adjustments or revert to the original state as needed. AAE files are crucial for preserving editing history and enabling non-destructive image editing within the Apple ecosystem.

AAE File: Sidecar Image Edit File

An AAE file is a sidecar file associated with an image file, typically in the JPEG or HEIC format. It contains metadata related to image edits performed in the Photos app on Apple devices, such as iPhone, iPad, or Mac. AAE files do not alter the original image file but provide a record of the adjustments made, allowing users to revert or modify the edits in the future.

The AAE file format stores information about various image editing operations, including adjustments like cropping, rotation, exposure, color balance, and filters applied. It also includes data on non-destructive edits, such as the creation of masks and layers. AAE files are typically created and stored in the same directory as the associated image file. When the image is opened in the Photos app, the AAE file is accessed to restore the edits previously made.

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