AEP File Extension

What is AEP file?

AEP files are used by video and graphics editing and postproduction software Adobe After Effects. AEP file contains video project and related data, including audio, video, and image data, timeline, transition and other effects.

AEP and AEPX formats

AEP file stores data in binary format; After Effects uses AEP files by default. AEPX format, which is based on XML, and stores data in text format, is also supported by the software.

Programs which support AEP file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open AEP files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with AEP extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 11/05/2023

How to open file with AEP extension?

Problems with accessing AEP may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with AEP files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with AEP files.

Step 1. Get the Adobe After Effects

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports AEP files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Adobe After Effects or one to the listed programs: Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud. 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 AEP files although Adobe After Effects 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 Adobe After Effects installed, it may not support AEP format. The most recent version of Adobe After Effects is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Adobe After Effects to AEP files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate AEP files with latest version of Adobe After Effects you have installed 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

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the AEP file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• 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 AEP files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected AEP 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 the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with AEP extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the AEP for errors

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

1. Check the AEP file for viruses or malware

If the AEP is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the AEP file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the AEP file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the AEP file’s structure is intact

If the AEP file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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. It could happen the the download process of file with AEP 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

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the After Effects Project 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 AEP files. Close all running programs and try opening the AEP file.

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with After Effects Project files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with AEP files affecting older versions of given software.

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