An AEPX file is an XML-based project file created by Adobe After Effects, a leading industry-standard software for digital visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing. Unlike the standard binary AEP format, the AEPX format stores project data in an open, human-readable XML (Extensible Markup Language) structure. This allows developers and advanced users to programmatically inspect, generate, or modify After Effects projects using external scripts, text editors, or pipeline automation tools without needing to open the full graphical user interface of the application. An AEPX file contains references to all project assets, including footage, audio tracks, compositions, keyframes, effects, and layer properties, although the actual media files remain separate. Because they are text-based, AEPX files are generally larger in file size than binary AEP files, but they offer superior compatibility for version control systems, collaborative pipelines, and automated rendering workflows across various production environments.