Troubleshoot AEP Files
Issues Opening AEP Files
Adobe After Effects Removed
You attempt to load your AEP file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The AEP File Extension". Generally, this is experienced in %%os%% because Adobe After Effects isn't installed on your PC. Your operating system cannot associate your AEP with Adobe After Effects, so double-clicking the file won't work.
Tip: When another AEP application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.
Wrong Version of Adobe After Effects is Installed
It is possible that your version of Adobe After Effects isn't able to open your After Effects Project file due to incompatibility. If you've got the wrong version of Adobe After Effects installed, you'll need to install the correct version. This problem is predominately due to having a After Effects Project file version that was created by a newer version of Adobe After Effects than what you have installed on your PC.
Tip: Right-clicking on your AEP, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.
Regardless, most of the AEP file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Adobe After Effects installed.
Associated Difficulties Loading AEP Files
Errors opening After Effects Project files can still occur even with the latest Adobe After Effects software installed on your computer. If you are continuing to have errors with loading AEP files, other external issues might be to blame. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):
- AEP file type Registry entries are wrong
- Mistaken removal of the Windows registry AEP description
- Defective install of a AEP program, such as Adobe After Effects
- Your AEP file is corrupted (issues with your After Effects Project file itself)
- AEP file integrity has been compromised by malware
- AEP-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
- Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the After Effects Project file
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