ASE is a file format for storing color samples. The format is used by Adobe applications and have broad use. ASE file are typically used for designing graphical projects (for example, posters or leaflets), multimedia presentations, or software applications. ASE files allow designers to use consistent color palette across all projects. Adobe Photoshop saves color samples in ACO files.
Color palette defines the full range of colors that can be used by a computer. ASE files contain only samples of various colors. ASE file can be used to share color samples across various graphical projects as a base for generating color palettes.
The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support ASE files. ASE files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.
Updated: 07/02/2020
Problems with accessing ASE may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with ASE files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.
The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ASE files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Adobe InDesign or one to the listed programs: Adobe Kuler, 3ds Max. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Adobe InDesign website and download the installer.
If you already have Adobe InDesign installed on your systems and ASE files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Adobe InDesign cannot handle files with ASE may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe InDesign.
After installing Adobe InDesign (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open ASE files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.
The procedure to change the default program in Windows
The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS
You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper ASE file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.
If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ASE file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the ASE file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.
Did you receive the ASE file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with ASE extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.
There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.
The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support ASE files. Close all running programs and try opening the ASE file.
Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Adobe Swatch Exchange Format files. It may be the case that the ASE files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.
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