What is an aae file? (and do you need to keep it?) If you’ve ever browsed through the files on your PC or Mac and stumbled upon a mysterious .aae file, you’re not alone! These files are created when transferring photos to a different device and can be confusing. In this post, I’ll explain what AAE files are, whether you need them, and what to do with them.

what is an aae file?

An AAE file is a small XML file created within the Apple’s Photos app when you edit a photo on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It also contains effects like the portrait mode blur.

Instead of modifying the original image, Apple stores the edits separately in an AAE file. This allows you to undo or tweak edits later without losing the original photo.

But when photos are manually transferred from a phone to a computer, AAE files are typically found alongside their corresponding images and have the same filename. If you’re seeing AAE files on your computer, it means you’re using a less-than-optimal transfer method because you’re losing any photo edits or effects like portrait mode.

do you need to keep aae files?

No. If you transfer your photos to a non-Apple device (like a Windows PC), the AAE file becomes useless because other systems can’t read it. So yes you can delete the aae file. It will not delete the original picture.

But if you’re seeing AAE files on your computer, you should consider a better method of photo transfer. One that includes any photo edits.

how to transfer photos to the computer without losing edits

If you want to move your photos to a computer without losing your edits, you’ll need to use the right transfer method. Simply dragging and dropping photos from your iPhone to a PC may only copy the original, unedited versions. Here are the best ways to transfer your photos while keeping the edits intact:

1) Use Transfer Software Like iMazing

iMazing is a third-party tool that allows you to transfer photos (including edits) directly from your iPhone to a PC or Mac. Unlike a simple file transfer, iMazing will transfer the fully edited versions of your photos. This is a great option if you frequently move photos between devices and want full control over the transfer process.

2) Use a Cloud Service for Seamless Transfer

Cloud storage services make photo transfers easy while preserving edits and organizing files. I recommend: Dropbox, Amazon Photos, or OneDrive.

These services automatically sync your edited photos and offer additional benefits, like renaming files in a uniform year-month-date format, making it easier to organize your collection. All of these three services make downloading photos simple on both Mac and PC.

3) If You’re on a Mac: Use the Proper Export Method from Apple Photos

For Mac users, the best way to transfer photos with edits intact is to export them correctly from the Photos app:

• Open the Photos app on your Mac.
• Select the edited photos you want to transfer.
• Click File > Export > Export Photos and choose JPEG to save the edited version.

Alternatively, you can use Photos Takeout, a third-party app available in the Mac App Store, to batch-export your edited images efficiently.

Want Step-by-Step Help?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process of transferring and organizing your photos, my Backup Bootcamp course walks you through everything step-by-step! You’ll learn exactly how to transfer, back up, and maintain your photo collection so you never lose important edits or memories.

AAE files are helpful for keeping non-destructive edits within the Apple ecosystem, but they don’t work once you leave Apple Photos. If you want to ensure your edits are preserved, use a better method of transfer between phone and computer.

*This post contains affiliate links which means I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase based on my recommendation.