AAE File Type

- The quick facts

What are AAE files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an AAE file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is an AAE file?

An .AAE file is an Apple Sidecar data file.

The .aae format is used for Apple sidecar files, classified as settings, themes, options, or skins file types. These AAE files are generated by iOS 8 and the Mac OS X Yosemite OS (operating system). This means these AAE files may be seen in computers and laptops running on Mac OS X Yosemite and in iOS 8 mobile gadgets like iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices. These .aae files contain metadata details and logged adjustments to settings in XML format, which are usually for captured photos and other digital images in the device. An AAE file does not store any bitmap-related data or graphics and images - only settings. They are not meant to be opened manually, so it's best to leave these files alone for Mac OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 to continue working properly.

How to open AAE files

Important: Different programs may use files with the AAE file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your AAE file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single AAE opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: January 7, 2020

Suggest another file format using extension AAE

While we know of one file format using the .AAE file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .AAE file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of AAE files. Remember, different programs may use AAE files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.