AAF File Extension

What is AAF file?

AAF files are used for distributing multimedia files on various web platforms.

What kind of data do AAF files contain?

Files with AAF extension are commonly used in video editing during post-production stage. AAF files, besides object references, can store such resources as:

• images,
• graphics,
• text data,
• video clips,
• audio track,
• animations.

AAF files hold additional resource metadata, that is information regarding how different resources should be put together to recreate the complete project.

What are AAF files used for?

AAF files are supported by such software programs as Avid Pro Tools or Avid Media Composer, used for producing music and movies. AAF files allow creators to work using different platforms software and hardware avoiding data format conflicts arising due to interoperability issues. AAF standard also supports file change tracking feature.

Programs which support AAF file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with AAF files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with AAF suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 01/03/2023

How to open file with AAF extension?

Being unable to open files with AAF extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Advanced Authoring Format Multimedia Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Avid Pro Tools

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports AAF files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Avid Pro Tools or one of the recommended programs (for example, Avid Media Composer, Adobe After Effects, Pro Tools) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Avid Pro Tools installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Avid Pro Tools and update if needed

You still cannot access AAF files although Avid Pro Tools is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Avid Pro Tools installed, it may not support AAF format. The most recent version of Avid Pro Tools is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Avid Pro Tools to AAF files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate AAF files with latest version of Avid Pro Tools you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the AAF file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Avid Pro Tools is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open AAF files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected AAF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Avid Pro Tools and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with AAF extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the AAF for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the AAF file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the AAF in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the AAF is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the AAF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the AAF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic AAF file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with AAF extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Advanced Authoring Format Multimedia Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Avid Pro Tools

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support AAF files. Close all running programs and try opening the AAF file.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Advanced Authoring Format Multimedia Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with AAF files affecting older versions of given software.

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