pyaaf2
A python module for reading and writing advanced authoring format files
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
Yes, if you work with AAF files in a professional media or editorial context and need programmatic access without external SDK dependencies. The zero-dependency design and broad Python version support make it easy to integrate. However, be aware that maintenance is dormant—last release was over a year ago—so if you encounter format compatibility issues with newer AAF variants or need active support, you may need to fork or patch the code yourself.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Low install friction with no runtime dependencies.
- Maintenance is dormant—last release was over a year ago and the repository shows no recent commits, though it remains active and has not been archived.
License · maintenance · safety
MIT (permissive) — MIT license permits free use, modification, and distribution with minimal restrictions, making it suitable for both open-source and commercial projects.
last release 2023-09-17 (1062 days) · last repo commit 2024-11-25 · 173 stars
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 115,838 downloads/mo, #12,235 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
pip install pyaaf2
import pyaaf2
with pyaaf2.open('file.aaf') as f:
for mob in f.mobs:
print(mob.name)- Current compatibility with Python 3.10+ beyond the declared classifiers
- Whether dormant maintenance status affects real-world use for current AAF file formats
- Extent of DNxHD/DNxHR/WAV embedding support and any format version limitations
What it is and what it does
pyaaf2 is a pure-Python library for reading and writing AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) files, the standard metadata format used in professional video editing and media composition workflows. It provides direct access to AAF file structures without requiring the external AAF SDK, making it lightweight and self-contained. The library supports reading and modifying existing AAF files in place, embedding media like DNxHD/DNxHR and WAV files, and copying composition objects between files.
The package is built on low-level Compound File Binary access with lazy file reading, meaning it loads data on demand rather than all at once. It targets film, television, and editorial professionals who need programmatic control over AAF metadata and composition data. With zero runtime dependencies and support for Python 2.7 through 3.10, it can integrate into legacy and modern pipelines alike, though its dormant maintenance status means bug fixes and format updates are infrequent.
Use it for
- Automate metadata extraction from AAF files generated by Avid Media Composer or other NLEs
- Programmatically modify edit timelines and object properties in existing AAF compositions
- Batch embed media files into AAF projects without manual NLE intervention
- Copy and reuse composition structures between AAF files in post-production workflows
- Build custom tools that read AAF data for analytics or integration with external systems
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
Yes, if you work with AAF files in a professional media or editorial context and need programmatic access without external SDK dependencies.
The zero-dependency design and broad Python version support make it easy to integrate. However, be aware that maintenance is dormant—last release was over a year ago—so if you encounter format compatibility issues with newer AAF variants or need active support, you may need to fork or patch the code yourself.
Install
pyaaf2 on PyPI
Before you install
Low install friction with no runtime dependencies. Maintenance is dormant—last release was over a year ago and the repository shows no recent commits, though it remains active and has not been archived.
License in practice
MIT license permits free use, modification, and distribution with minimal restrictions, making it suitable for both open-source and commercial projects.
Quickstart
pip install pyaaf2
import pyaaf2
with pyaaf2.open('file.aaf') as f:
for mob in f.mobs:
print(mob.name)Verify before relying
- Current compatibility with Python 3.10+ beyond the declared classifiers
- Whether dormant maintenance status affects real-world use for current AAF file formats
- Extent of DNxHD/DNxHR/WAV embedding support and any format version limitations
Package facts
| License | MIT permissive |
| Python support | Supports the current Python release >=2.7, !=3.0.*, !=3.1.*, !=3.2.*, !=3.3.*, !=3.4.*, !=3.5.*, !=3.6.* |
| Install friction | Low. Pure-Python wheel |
| Runtime dependencies | None |
| Maintenance | Dormant 1,062 days since the last release |
| Last repo commit | |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 115,838 / month, #12,235 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
| Classifiers | Development Status :: 3 - AlphaLicense :: OSI Approved :: MIT LicenseNatural Language :: EnglishOperating System :: OS IndependentProgramming Language :: Python :: 2Programming Language :: Python :: 2.7Programming Language :: Python :: 3Programming Language :: Python :: 3.10Programming Language :: Python :: 3.7Programming Language :: Python :: 3.8Programming Language :: Python :: 3.9Topic :: Multimedia :: GraphicsTopic :: Multimedia :: VideoTopic :: Multimedia :: Video :: DisplayTopic :: Multimedia :: Video :: Non-Linear EditorTopic :: Software Development :: Libraries :: Python Modules |
Evidence: pyaaf2-1.7.1-py2.py3-none-any.whl
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