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

When transferring photos from an iPhone to a computer, especially a Windows PC, you may notice additional files with the `.AAE` extension accompanying your edited photos. While these files may seem unfamiliar, understanding what they are and how to use or convert them can be useful for managing your photo library effectively. In this article, we'll explore what an AAE file is, how to open it, and different methods to convert AAE format to JPG on Mac and iPhone.

Part 1. What is a .aae File?

A .AAE file is a metadata file created by Apple's Photos app on iOS and macOS to store non-destructive editing information for photos. Instead of altering the original image directly when you apply changes like filters, cropping, or adjustments, Apple saves those edits in a separate .AAE file in XML format. This file works alongside the original image file—typically a .JPG or .HEIC—and allows you to revert or modify edits later without affecting the original photo.

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.

Part 2. How to Open AAE Files?

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 3. 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. That means you cannot directly convert an AAE file into a JPG because it’s not an image. However, there are workarounds to save or export the edited photo as a new JPG file. Below are the most effective 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 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.

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• Convert images to formats such as JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, and WEBP.
• Convert multiple images simultaneously without compromising quality.
• Batch edit photos with crop, rotate, watermarks, etc.
• Compress photos without losing quality.

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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

Conclusion

AAE files may seem confusing at first, but they play an essential role in how iOS devices handle photo editing. While these files don't directly display images, they store valuable edit information for photos taken with Apple devices. If you need to transfer or share your edited images with other devices, AAE file convert to JPG is straightforward using various methods. Understanding how AAE files work and how to convert AAE files to JPG ensures you can manage your photo library efficiently across multiple platforms.