Files
Aseprite uses several file formats to save and load different information. The main thing you need to know is that your work is saved in your local computer when you use the File > Save menu. There is no "cloud" or remote server funcionality involved, so keep in mind to backup your work or use a cloud-like folder service like Dropbox, Drive, OneDrive, etc. if you want to keep your work safe or shared between computers.
.aseprite
Aseprite has its own file format to save your work: .aseprite files (or .ase, both are the same). When you save your sprites in an .aseprite file you will be able to keep all the information intact (color mode, layers, frames, palette, tags, slices, etc.)
Generally you will want to export your work to other formats (.png, .gif, etc.) for publishing purposes or to use your assets in a game. But keep the original .aseprite in a safe place to modify the sprite when it's required.
The internal structure of these files is described in the Aseprite File Format Specs.
.aseprite-extension
You can create extensions in the .aseprite-extension format which is a .zip file with a specific set of files inside, see the File Content section in the Extensions page for more information.
.lua
A script in the File > Scripts > Open Scripts Folder folder used for scripting purposes.
Preferences
Preferences are saved inside the preferences folder in several files:
aseprite.ini
The main options/configuration specified in the Edit > Preferences dialog are in this file.
user.aseprite-brushes
Custom brushes are stored in this file (a XML file). In the future we'll bring more options to export/import brushes between different files.
user.aseprite-keys
Your customized keyboard shortcuts are stored in this file, and when you export/import keyboard shortcuts the same .aseprite-keys file format is used (a XML file).
sessions
The sessions folder has some backup files used in data recovery process.
SEE ALSO