AET File Extension
After Effects Project Template
- File Type aet
- Developer Adobe Systems
- Popularity
- Application Adobe After Effects
- Category Settings Files
- Format Binary
What is a AET file?
After Effects Project Template, identified by the AET extension, is a Settings Files type and includes 1190 files.
The After Effects Project Template (AET), created by Adobe, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 81 programs to support them.
AET file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. When working with AET files, you can rely on 3 programs, including Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Creative Suite.
Programs that support AET files
How to open a AET file?
If you can’t open a AET file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
When it comes to opening and working with AET files, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Creative Suite are the top choices for users. To install the updated version of Adobe After Effects, simply go to the Adobe site and download the installer compatible with all major platforms.
Once the process is complete, Adobe After Effects should take over as the default application for AET files.
Set Adobe After Effects as the default AET program
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right-click on your AET file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
- In the pop-up window, select the Adobe After Effects application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening AET files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired AET file;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
- Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for Adobe After Effects. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a AET file?
To edit AET files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the settings files. Online AET editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for After Effects Project Template.
List of Top AET editors 2026
Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of AET editors you can use.
| AET Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe After Effects | Adobe | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
Solve problems with AET files
Rest assured, any issues with AET files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.
Why does Adobe After Effects stop responding or crash intermittently?
Adobe After Effects crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your Adobe products up to date by installing the latest updates.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
What are the best practices for repairing a AET file that has gone bad?
Use a data recovery program to open the damaged AET file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged settings files.
What are the warning signs that my AET file may be corrupted?
Common indications of damaged AET settings files are:
- Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
- Editing the archive in Adobe After Effects results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the AET file;
- Opening the file in Adobe After Effects or other programs causes them to hang or crash;