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What Is an AAF File?

How to open, edit, & convert AAF files

By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 13, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email File Types File Types Apps Windows MS Office Linux Google Drive Backup & Utilities Design Cryptocurrency

What to Know

An AAF file is an Advanced Authoring Format file. Open one with After Effects or Premiere Pro. Convert to media formats using AnyVideo Converter HD. This article describes what an AAF file is, how to open one, and how to convert one to a different file format like MP3, MP4, or WAV.

What Is an AAF File

A file with the AAF file extension is an Advanced Authoring Format file. It contains complex multimedia information like video and audio clips, as well as metadata information for that content and project. Most video editing programs utilize proprietary formats for their project files. When multiple programs support the importing and exporting of AAF files, it's easy to move the working contents of a project from one application to another. The format was developed by the Advanced Media Workflow Association and is being standardized through the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. AAF is also short for anti-aliasing filter, but that has nothing to do with the file format described on this page. The internet slang terms as a friend and always and forever can be shortened to AAF as well.

How to Open an AAF File

Several programs exist that are compatible with AAF files, including Adobe's After Effects and Premiere Pro, Apple's Final Cut Pro, Avid's Media Composer (formerly Avid Xpress), Sony's Vegas Pro, and more. These programs use the file to import project information from another AAF supporting program or export it for use in another.
See Adobe's directions for importing AAF projects from Avid Media Composer if you need help exporting an AAF file from Avid's software and importing it into Premiere Pro. Many files are text-only files, meaning no matter the file extension, a text editor (like one from our Best Free Text Editors list) may be able to properly display the file's contents. However, this probably isn't the case with AAF files. At best, you might be able to view some metadata or file header information in a text editor, but considering the multimedia components of this format, we highly doubt that a text editor will show you anything useful. If you find that an application on your PC does try to open the file, but it's the wrong application, or you'd rather have another installed program open it, see our guide for changing which program opens when you double-click an AAF file in Windows.

How to Convert an AAF File

The software from above that can open the file is likely able to also export it to OMF (Open Media Framework), a similar format. Converting AAF files to multimedia file formats like MP3, MP4, WAV, etc., can be done with AnyVideo Converter HD, and probably other video converter programs. You might also be able to convert the file to these formats by opening it in one of the above programs and then using the built-in export/save option. If you can't find a free AAF converter that works, AATranslator might be a good alternative. Just be sure to buy the Enhanced Version.

Still Can' t Open It

If the programs mentioned above won't open your file, double-check that you're not confusing another file extension for this one. AAF consists of two very common letters that are used in lots of other file extensions. For example, AAC, AXX, AAX (Audible Enhanced Audiobook), AAE (Sidecar Image Format), AIFF, AIF, and AIFC might incorrectly appear to be related to AAF files. You'll most likely get an error if you try opening any of those files in any of the openers linked above, and vice versa. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Open, Edit, and Convert AVC Files AVE File (What It Is and How to Open One) ALP File (What It Is and How to Open One) DVT File (What It Is & How to Open One) DRF File (What It Is & How to Open One) DMC File (What It Is and How to Open One) EPRT File (What It Is and How to Open One) AV File (What Is It & How to Open One) MQ4 File (What It Is & How to Open One) FBR File (What It Is and How to Open One) RVT File (What It Is and How to Open One) AC3 File (What It Is & How to Open One) HQX File (What It Is and How to Open One) PCT File (What It Is & How to Open One) DSK File (What It Is & How to Open One) AIT File (What It is and How to Open One) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies