AET File Extension

What is AET file?

Full format name of files that use AET extension is After Effects Project Template. After Effects Project Template format was developed by Adobe Systems. Files with AET extension may be used by programs distributed for Mac OS, Windows platform. AET file format, along with 546 other file formats, belongs to the Video Files category. The most popular program for handling AET files is Adobe After Effects, but users can choose among 2 different programs that support this file format. Adobe After Effects software was developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated, and on its official website you may find more information about AET files or the Adobe After Effects software program.

Programs which support AET file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support AET files. AET 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 AET extension?

Problems with accessing AET may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with AET files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Adobe After Effects software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports AET files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe After Effects or different compatible program, such as Adobe Creative Suite. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. 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

If the problems with opening AET files still occur even after installing Adobe After Effects, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe After Effects is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Adobe After Effects cannot handle files with AET may be that the software is outdated. 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. Associate After Effects Project Template files with Adobe After Effects

After installing Adobe After Effects (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open AET files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the AET with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• 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 AET files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected AET file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with AET extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the AET is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper AET file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the AET file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the AET 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 AET 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. It could happen the the download process of file with AET extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the After Effects Project Template file.

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

If the systems has insufficient resources to open AET files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with After Effects Project Template files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle AET files.

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