Have you ever come across an AAE file while browsing through your photos and wondered what it is? Don't panic, we're here to help you understand this type of file and guide you on how to open it or convert it to JPEG format .
Understanding the AAE file
An AAE file is a supplementary file created by Apple that contains information about changes made to an image. When you edit a photo on your iPhone or iPad, these changes are saved in a separate AAE file, while the original image remains unchanged. This system allows you to keep the original while also having a modified version of the image.
The link between the AAE file and the original image
The AAE file is linked to the original image by its name. For example, if the original image is named "IMG_001.jpeg", the associated AAE file will be named "IMG_001.aae". Therefore, when you view the photo on your iPhone or iPad, the edits saved in the AAE file are automatically applied to the original image.
Open an AAE file
The AAE file is not an image and therefore cannot be opened with standard image viewing software. However, you can still view the changes made to the original image on your iPhone or iPad, as the information contained in the AAE file is automatically applied.
Transfer the changes to a computer
If you want to transfer changes made to an image to a computer , here's how to do it:
- Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Select the edited photo.
- Tap the "Share" icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Choose "Save as JPEG file" or "Export as JPEG file".
- Transfer the new JPEG image to your computer via AirDrop, email, or another file transfer method.
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Convert an AAE file to JPEG
It is not possible to convert an AAE file to JPEG, because the AAE file does not contain an image itself, but only information about the edits made to an image. To obtain a JPEG image with the applied edits, you must follow the steps described above to export the edited image from your iPhone or iPad.
Delete an AAE file
If you no longer need the modifications made to an image and wish to delete the associated AAE file, here's how to do it:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open a file explorer on your computer.
- Access the "DCIM" folder on your Apple device.
- Search for the AAE files you want to delete.
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FAQ
1. What causes AAE files to be created on my iPhone or iPad?
AAE files are automatically created on Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, when you edit an image using the native Photos app. Edits, such as cropping, adjusting brightness, or rotating, are saved in a separate AAE file to preserve the original image.
2. Is it possible to prevent the creation of AAE files when editing photos?
It's not possible to prevent the creation of AAE files when editing photos with the native Photos app on your iPhone or iPad. However, if you use a third-party photo editing app to edit your images, AAE files won't be created. These apps typically save the edits directly to the image, without creating an additional file.
3. Is it possible to merge an AAE file with the original image?
It is not possible to merge an AAE file with the original image, as AAE files are designed to remain separate from the original image and store only the edits made. To obtain an image that includes the edits, you must export the edited image as a JPEG file from the Photos app on your Apple device.
4. Are AAE files compatible with Android or Windowsdevices?
AAE files are not compatible with Android or Windowsdevices, as they are specific to Apple devices. If you transfer images with associated AAE files to an Android device or a Windowscomputer, the edits made to the image will not be applied. To share your edited photos with users of non-Apple devices, it is recommended to export the edited image as a JPEG file.
5. How do I transfer photos with associated AAE files to another iPhone or iPad?
To transfer photos with associated AAE files to another iPhone or iPad, you can use the following methods:
- AirDrop: Use the AirDrop feature to quickly and easily transfer photos and associated AAE files between Apple devices.
- iCloud: Enable photo syncing with iCloud to back up and sync your edited photos, along with associated AAE files, across all your Apple devices.
- Wired transfer: Connect both devices to a computer using a USB cable, then copy the photos and associated AAE files from the first device to the second using a file explorer.
6. Do AAE files take up a lot of storage space on my Apple device?
AAE files are generally very small and don't take up much storage space on your Apple device. They contain only information about the edits made to the images and do not include the images themselves. In most cases, the space occupied by AAE files is negligible compared to the total size of your photo library.
7. Can AAE files become corrupted and cause problems with my photos?
Although rare, it is possible for an AAE file to become corrupted due to a software error or a problem with your device. If this happens, the edits made to the original image will no longer display correctly. However, the original image will not be affected, as it is stored separately from the AAE file. In this case, you can delete the corrupted AAE file and make further edits to the image if needed.
8. Are there any alternatives to AAE files for saving image edits?
Yes, there are several alternatives to AAE files for saving image edits. Here are a few options:
- Use third-party photo editing applications, which save changes directly to the image, without creating an auxiliary file.
- Export the edited image as a JPEG file from the Photos app on your Apple device. This will give you a copy of the image with the edits applied, without needing an AAE file.
- Use professional photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, which offer more advanced saving and editing management options.
9. How can I recover an AAE file that was accidentally deleted?
If you accidentally deleted an AAE file, there's unfortunately no easy way to recover it, as AAE files aren't included in iCloud or iTunes backups. You can try using specialized data recovery software to search for and recover the deleted AAE file, but there's no guarantee of success.
10. Are AAE files recognized by professional photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom?
AAE files are generally not recognized by professional photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, because they are specific to Apple devices and the native Photos app. To work with edited images in these programs, it is recommended to export the edited image as a JPEG file from the Photos app on your Apple device.
Conclusion
AAE files are auxiliary files created by Apple devices to store edits made to images. While they can sometimes seem mysterious, a better understanding of how they work and their purpose can help you effectively manage your edited photos and troubleshoot common issues related to these files. By keeping in mind the information and tips provided in this FAQ, you'll be able to confidently manage your AAE files and fully enjoy your edited photos across different devices and platforms.
