.AEPX File Extension

After Effects XML Project

Developer Adobe Systems
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What is a AEPX file?

An AEPX file is a video project created by Adobe After Effects, an application for creating special effects. It contains references to video assets and project settings in the XML standard, including compositions, effects, keyframes, and layer configurations, but does not embed media files directly (it points to their locations). AEPX files are an alternative project format to the standard .AEP binary format.

More Information

Screenshot of a .aepx file in Adobe After Effects 2025
AEPX file open in Adobe After Effects 2025

After Effects saves projects in the AEP format by default, which loads faster and takes up less space than AEPX files. However, the AEPX format can be useful in special cases. For example, AEPX files are helpful for automation workflows, manual editing, or saving a readable project backup (you can open and modify them with a text or XML editor).

To save an AEPX file, go to File → Save As → Save a Copy As XML... in After Effects. After saving, you can reopen and continue editing the project just like with a standard AEP file.

How to open a AEPX file

You can only open AEPX files with Adobe After Effects (Windows and macOS). To open an AEPX file, select File → Open Project....

Since AEPX files are text-based, you can also open and edit details in the files with an XML or text editor. However, you may need to change the .aepx file extension to .txt to open the file.

How to convert a AEPX file

Only Adobe After Effects can convert AEPX files. Possible formats you can convert AEPX files to include:

  • .MOV - Apple QuickTime Movie
  • .AVI - Audio Video Interleave
  • .M4A - MPEG-4 Audio
  • .AAC - Advanced Audio Coding File
  • .JPG - JPEG Image
  • .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
  • .AEP - After Effects Project
  • .AET - After Effects Template
  • .AETX - After Effects XML Template
  • .PRPROJ - Adobe Premiere Pro
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Programs that open AEPX files

Windows
Mac

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