AEC File Extension

What is AEC file?

Full format name of files that use AEC extension is Cinema 4D After Effects Composition. Cinema 4D After Effects Composition format was developed by MAXON. AEC files are supported by software applications available for devices running Mac OS, Windows. Files with AEC extension are categorized as Video Files files. The Video Files subset comprises 546 various file formats. The most popular program for handling AEC files is Adobe After Effects, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format. Software named Adobe After Effects was created by Adobe Systems Incorporated. In order to find more detailed information on the software and AEC files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support AEC file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open AEC files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. AEC files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with AEC extension?

Problems with accessing AEC may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with AEC extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Adobe After Effects

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports AEC files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Adobe After Effects. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Adobe After Effects installed is by going to developer’s website (Adobe Systems Incorporated) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Adobe After Effects to the latest version

You still cannot access AEC files although Adobe After Effects is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Adobe After Effects cannot handle files with AEC may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Adobe After Effects should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Cinema 4D After Effects Composition files with Adobe After Effects

If you have the latest version of Adobe After Effects installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage AEC on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the AEC file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Adobe After Effects installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open AEC files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the AEC file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Adobe After Effects and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with AEC extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the AEC for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the AEC file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the AEC is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the AEC file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with AEC extension is complete and error-free

If the AEC file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with AEC extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Cinema 4D After Effects Composition file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Adobe After Effects

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Cinema 4D After Effects Composition file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with AEC files affecting older versions of given software.

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