If you use Apple devices such as the iPhone or a Mac, you have probably already noticed the .AAE file format. When transferring images to a Windows PC, the question arises as to whether these files are necessary to view the images. Here's what exactly AAE files are and whether you can open them with Windows.
What are AEE files?
AAE files are created by Apple's iOS or macOS on your iPhone, iPad or Mac at the same time as a JPG file is created. The file is created whenever you make changes to the JPG file using Apple Photos , Apple's image editing program for macOS and iOS. With older devices accordingly with iPhoto or Aperture . When you export images from an iPhone to your computer, the AAE file is the reference file, so to speak , and all changes made within the JPG file contains. The file is therefore not the actual image, but the information about edits within the Photo app. These can be undone again on the iPhone or on your Mac if the file is present.
Is it possible to open the files with Windows?
If you are importing your photos to Windows from a Mac or iOS device, it is important that you transfer the JPG files . An AAE file per se cannot be used on a Windows PC, as this file format is not recognized. As already mentioned in the previous section, these files are only a reference for changes made. Of course, you have the option of opening the file with a text editor such as Notepad ++ or the standard editor , since these are in XML format . Unfortunately, because Apple forbids using its photo program on Windows, you cannot undo the changes on your Windows PC..
We recommend making sure that you always transfer the JPG file when importing your photos . If you delete the AAE file , any changes you made to the image will also be deleted. However, this does not delete the actual photo .
