---
id: pyaaf2
version: "1.7.1"
license: MIT
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: dormant
---

# pyaaf2 — A python module for reading and writing advanced authoring format files

License: permissive · Maintenance: dormant · Downloads: 115.8K/mo

## 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 above — verify before relying.

Read, write, and modify Advanced Authoring Format (AAF) files used in video editing and media production, with support for embedding media and copying objects between files.

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

pip install pyaaf2
uv add pyaaf2
poetry add pyaaf2

## Installing pyaaf2

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_current
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: dormant
- Downloads: 115.8K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

AAF file reader writer, advanced authoring format python, video editing metadata, non-linear editor file format, media composition library, video-editing, media-metadata, aaf-format

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/pyaaf2) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/pyaaf2/)