Sending a photo via email or WhatsApp flattens the image. This bakes the AAE edits into the JPEG, so it appears correctly on any device.

So, what exactly are they, and how do you "view" them? Here is everything you need to know about AAE files. What is an .AAE File?

AAE files are small metadata files created by Apple devices, typically iPhones and iPads, when you edit a photo using the native Photos app. If you have ever transferred images from your iOS device to a Windows PC or an older Mac and noticed strange sidecar files with the .aae extension, you are likely looking for an AAE file viewer to see your edits. Understanding the AAE File Format

Apple’s Photos app is the native AAE file viewer. If you import your photos using the Photos app or AirDrop, macOS automatically reads the AAE file and applies the edits to the displayed image. You won't even see the .aae extension because the system handles it in the background. 2. On Windows PC

Technically, no. You cannot "convert" an AAE file into a JPG because the AAE file doesn't contain any image data—it only contains instructions. To get a JPG with those edits applied on a non-Apple device, you must export the photo from an Apple device using a method that "bakes in" the edits, such as using the menu or third-party conversion tools . Is it Safe to Delete Them?