An AETX file acts as a text-based AE template format that replaces binary AEP/AET storage with readable XML so the project structure can be more easily processed, detailing comps, folders, layers, timing, and settings, while holding comp specs like resolution and frame rate, as well as layer definitions, in/out timing, transforms, parenting chains, 2D/3D toggles, blend modes, track mattes, mask data with animation, and complete effect stacks with their parameter configurations.
An AETX file contains extensive motion information including keyframes, interpolation, easing, paths, and expressions, plus text and shape-layer details like the actual text, styling controls (fonts, sizing, tracking, alignment, fill/stroke), text animators, and vector shapes with strokes, fills, trim paths, repeaters, and their keyframes, but it lacks embedded media, fonts, and plugins, instead referencing footage paths and requiring After Effects to relink items or report missing effects; to use it properly, you open/import it in AE, fix missing assets or fonts, replace placeholders, and save as AEP/AET, whereas viewing the XML in a text editor is mainly for inspection rather than a functional substitute for AE.
Where an AETX comes from makes a big difference because it signals what should be included with it—fonts, media, plugins, licensing—and what issues might arise, especially if it was downloaded as part of a template bundle that normally ships with an Assets folder, a Preview folder, and a readme of required fonts/plugins, so opening the AETX alone results in missing-footage errors that are resolved by keeping the folder setup unchanged or relinking, with licensed items purposely excluded and requiring separate downloads or replacements.
When a client or teammate provides an AETX, it usually acts as a structure-only project transfer meant to exclude large media for version-control or sharing reasons, so you must determine whether they also included a Collected project set or at least the assets folder; if not, you’ll need to relink many items manually, and you may also run into AE version differences, missing plugins, or expression dependencies, especially if the AETX was generated within a studio pipeline that uses internal file paths.
If an AETX is received from an unknown or untrusted place, its origin guides your safety steps because although it’s just XML, it can still reference media or depend on scripts/plugins that may prompt installation, so you treat it like any template but open it in a clean AE environment, decline questionable plugins, and anticipate missing footage/fonts, then determine your follow-up based on the type of source—marketplace templates require checking bundles, client files require collected assets, and pipeline outputs may assume specific directory layouts and AE versions If you loved this article and you also would like to collect more info concerning AETX file editor kindly visit the website. .
