What is AAE File? How to Open or Convert AAE to JPG

AAE files appear when you edit photos on an iPhone and then transfer them to Windows or other non-Apple devices. They are not images but XML metadata files that record your edits, such as cropping, filters, and adjustments. If you move only the JPG without the AAE file, your edits will disappear on Windows. This guide explains what are AAE files, how to open them on Windows 10, and the safest ways to convert AAE to JPG so your edited photos stay visible everywhere.

Part 1. What is a .aae File?

An AAE file is created automatically by Apple’s Photos app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Instead of permanently modifying your photo, Apple saves all edits in this separate XML file so you can undo or adjust them later.

AAE File	Details
File Extension	.aae
File Type	XML document (not an image)
Created By	Apple's Photos app (on iOS 8 and later, or macOS)
Purpose	Stores non-destructive edit history of a photo (like crop, filter)
Works with	JPG or HEIC photos
Visible on Windows	Yes, but useless visually

The .AAE file is only recognized by Apple devices and software; if transferred to Windows or Android, it may appear useless, and the photo will look unedited.

Why does my iPhone create AAE files?

Your iPhone creates AAE files to keep your original photo untouched while saving all edits separately. This is called non-destructive editing, which lets you revert changes anytime.

Why do my edits disappear on Windows?

Windows does not read AAE files, so it only shows the original unedited JPG. That is why users search for what is aae file or what is an aae file after transferring photos.

Part 2. How to Convert AAE to JPG?

AAE files store the edits you make to an image in an XML format rather than saving the edited photo as a new JPG file. You cannot directly convert an AAE file to JPG because AAE is not an image. However, you can export the edited photo as a new JPG using the following reliable methods.

Method 1: Edit the Photo in a Different App

1.Open the edited photo in any app other than the native Photos app, such as a third-party image editor.
2.Make any additional edits, then save the image. This will create a new JPG file, thus avoiding the creation of an AAE file.
3.Transfer the newly saved JPG file to other devices without worrying about compatibility issues.

Method 2: Email the Edited Photos to Yourself

1.Edit the photo using the Photos app on your iPhone.
2.Email the edited image to yourself. The file will be sent as a new JPG without the need for an AAE file.
3.Download the photo from your email on your device, and it will be saved in JPG format.

Method 3: Use Messenger Apps to Share the Photos

1.Edit the photo in the Photos app on your iPhone.
2.Share the edited image through a messenger app like WhatsApp or Telegram.
3.Save the shared photo from the messenger app, and it will be saved as a new JPG file.

Part 3. How to Open AAE Files?

Summary: On Windows 10, AAE files can be opened with Notepad because they are XML text, but they will only show edit data, not the photo. To view the edited image, open the paired JPG/HEIC in Apple Photos on iPhone or Mac, or export a new JPG.

When transferring edited photos from an iPhone to a Windows computer, you may notice two files for each edited image: the original JPG file and a corresponding AAE file. The AAE file contains the edits made to the image and is linked to the original JPG.

Since AAE files are saved in XML format, they can be opened and viewed using text editors such as Apple Photos, Microsoft Notepad, or TextEdit. However, opening an AAE file in a text editor will only display the XML code, showing information about the edits rather than the edited image itself.

To view the actual edited photo, you will need to open the image on an Apple device that supports AAE files, such as an iPhone or Mac.

Part 4. Best Image Editor and Converter for Windows and Mac

Although you can’t convert AAE files directly into JPG, once you've exported or retrieved the original JPG image, you might still want to edit it further, convert it to other image formats, or batch process multiple files easily. This is where a powerful image converter and editor like HitPaw Univd comes in handy.

HitPaw Univd is more than just a video converter—it also includes a robust image converter, compressor and editor that makes it incredibly easy to handle image format conversions, apply quick edits, and export results in high quality.

Steps to Convert Images Using HitPaw Univd:

Step 1:Launch HitPaw Univd and select the "Image Converter" feature on the main interface. You can add multiple photos for batch conversion.
Step 2:Choose an Output Format: Under "Convert all to," select the desired output format. Supported formats include JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and WEBP.
Step 3:Set the Output Directory: Under "Save to," choose the destination folder for the converted images. Click "Convert All" to quickly convert your images to the desired format.

Part 5. Frequently Asked Questions about AAE Convert to JPG

Q1. Can I Delete AAE Files?

A1. Yes, AAE files can be deleted without affecting the original image. However, you will lose the ability to apply the stored edits again. Keeping AAE files allows you to maintain both the original and edited versions with just one click.

Q2. What is the Difference Between JPG and AAE Files?

A2. JPG is an image file format used to store photos, while AAE files store the edit information for an image in an XML format. The JPG file remains unchanged, while the AAE file records any modifications.

Q3. How to Remove AAE Files from an iPhone?

A3. To remove AAE files from your iPhone, simply delete the edited photo from the Photos app. This action will also delete the associated AAE file.

Q4. Why is My iPhone Creating AAE Files?

A4. iPhones create AAE files to store edit data when you modify photos using the built-in Photos app. This approach helps keep the original photo intact while saving edits separately.

Q5. How to Open an AAE file on Windows 10?

A5. An AAE file can be opened on Windows 10 with a text editor such as Notepad by right-clicking the file and selecting Open with > Notepad, but you will only see XML code that describes iPhone photo edits, not the edited image itself. To view the actual edited photo, you must open the original JPG/HEIC on an Apple device or export the edited image as a new JPG from your iPhone.

Conclusion

AAE files are harmless XML files that store your iPhone photo edits. They are useful on Apple devices but confusing on Windows. To keep your edits visible everywhere, always export your edited photo instead of copying raw files. Understanding what is a .aae file, how to open it, and how to convert AAE to JPG will help you manage photos smoothly across platforms.

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