What is an aae file?

An .AAE file is an Apple Aperture Extended Metadata file. It's not an image file itself, but rather a sidecar file containing metadata adjustments made to an image file in Apple's Aperture or Photos applications (or other compatible applications). These adjustments are non-destructive; the original image remains untouched, and the .AAE file stores the instructions for how to render the adjusted image.

Here's a breakdown of key characteristics:

• Sidecar File: It always accompanies a corresponding image file (typically a JPEG, TIFF, or RAW file like a .NEF, .CR2, or .DNG). The .AAE file shares the same filename as the image file, but with the .AAE extension.

• Metadata Only: It doesn't contain the image data itself. It stores information like:

  • Adjustments: Brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, white balance, cropping, and other edits made in the application.
  • Keywords and metadata: Any metadata added to the image file through Aperture or Photos.

• Non-destructive Editing: The key advantage. The original image remains unchanged. Opening the image will apply the changes stored in the .AAE file. Deleting the .AAE file will revert the image to its original state.

• Apple Ecosystem: Primarily associated with Apple's image editing software, although some third-party applications might be able to read and process the information within.

• File Format: It's essentially a JSON file packaged in a specific way. While technically possible to directly edit the JSON data, it's not recommended unless you're highly experienced and understand the structure.

• Compatibility: While primarily designed for the Apple ecosystem, some image viewers and editing programs on other platforms (Windows, etc.) might be able to recognize and apply the adjustments from the .AAE file. However, compatibility isn't always guaranteed.

In short, if you see an .AAE file, don't delete it unless you want to lose the edits applied to the associated image file. It's an essential part of the non-destructive workflow implemented by Apple's imaging software.