Announcing Adobe Aero End of Support

[Jeremie Noguer]

Hey everyone,

We’ve made a tough decision and wanted you to be the first to hear that Adobe Aero will be shutting down permanently on November 6th, 2025. This was an incredibly difficult decision that we didn't make lightly.

What This Means: ·

• Adobe Aero has always been free of charge and there will be no impact on your subscription.
• November 6th, 2025:
  • Aero will be removed from Creative Cloud, Apple App Store, and Google Play and will no longer be available for download or installation.
  • For users who already have the app installed on their device, the app will continue to operate, and users can still download Aero files. ·
• December 3rd. 2025:
  • Aero will be decommissioned, and users will no longer be able to access files.
  • Aero scenes (.real files) will stop working for both the authors and the viewers of the experiences.
• December 16th, 2025:
  • Aero user data will be removed from Adobe’s servers.

• Support during transition: 
  • For more information about this change and instructions for downloading your content, please visit this article on the Adobe Help Center - Aero FAQs. ·
  • If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact Adobe Support.

We're truly grateful for all the amazing creations that have been shared and the community we've built together. We're grateful for your support and creativity over the years. Thank you for being a valued Adobe partner.

- The Adobe Aero Team

[uu395]

This is sad news because I have a lot of current projects and many future projects planned for Aero but now I will need to scramble to final an alternative. Aero is an excellent program with a well-known developer and it was easy to use. Sure, there is a lot of development that is needed, but it was field tested and I could take it to a trade show where it would reliably work with thousands of people using it for 12+ hour days. AR is an innovative way to bring new, creative, and immersive experiences to a user that they didn't think that they could have. When I would demonstrate this to people they were blown away that this was even possible. What’s even better is that they could use their phone, take this experience home with them, and share it with other people. I have huge customers that want to use AR because communicating an experience is way more impactful than a video or a graphic but I will have to tell them that Adobe doesn't share their vision on innovation.

Hopefully Adobe reverses their decision on this because I think that Aero has a lot of potential to deliver a new and innovative way for a user to experience media that can't be achieved through any other product that Adobe has.

[The_XR_Guy]

I'm with you on the added value through instantly accessible AR.

We shifted towards this tool quite some time ago already, as it allows for a lot more complex experience creation.

Only caveat, the creation is only on macOS and iPadOS right now, but they are working on a webXR player for Android.

[Peter Villevoye]

The sheer content was incredible !
But the problem always rose: how to embed it, how to spread it, distribute it ?

Adobe doesn't like to create (new) types of media, without being able to measure its eyeballs and impact. "What's the point of creating media if you can't measure them ?" an Adobe spokesperson once very wisely said to me (when the Marketing Cloud was announced...) That has been the missing link for many new media tools, and maybe also for Aero.

I don't have a clue what Adobe might have up their sleeves. They've tested the waters for quite a few years with 3D and XR in Aero. I guess they learned enough from it to either just leave it alone, or maybe change for the better – who knows ? But for now: no plans, no signs, nothing. You can't blame a company for having a well-considered focus. Just like with what Adobe decided about web and app design after the Figma break-up: Not our cup of tea. We'll leave that to Figma (and others).

[Levi5CC6]

Big disappointment... but also trouble. We just made a project in Aero, so what are we going to tell now? Isn't there a way to 'read' the json file after unzipping the REAL file or emulate Adobe Aero using the real file? Ok, you can shut down the service, but what about the projects that have been developed by the community ... if you want to be there for the creative community, make sure that their creations cannot vanish in thin aero.

[Peter Villevoye]

If you want to be there for the creative community,
make sure that their creations cannot vanish in thin aero.

The pun is priceless (like air and Aero) and I know it's not what you want to read, but: 

If you want to use a Beta tool, be aware that your creations might just vanish in thin air...

On the other hand, developing a tool as "Beta" for 6 years, does raise some eyebrows.
Users obviously will start to think of it as an established comfort.

[Voi Smith]

Thin Aero, yes u are on point funny in this sad time!
Fxxk I made so many mini projects & cool clips, what a rug pull! omg!

[lindsayw26948190]

I about had a panic attack when I saw the announcement!

My company has our largest event of the year coming up and we decided to implement AR into it for a more unique and engaging experience. We got incredibly lucky since the event's taking place shortly before November 6 and we won't need to make changes. I know I'm not the only one who has large projects planned out months in advance, so it would have been helpful to receive this announcement further out from the decomission date. This didn't give anyone much time to prepare.

One of the things I liked about Aero is that it was easily accessible to anyone with a phone. It made it a great choice for event guests.

Because of this experience, I'll be hesitant to try any future beta software from Adobe.

[Levi5CC6]

@lindsayw26948190 exactly! Adobe says they discontinued because the intent was to use it with VR goggles, but they miss the point that everyone's phone has a far lower threshold to use. It worked fine with the phone, so why discontinue? Plus, if it was a matter of costs, the community would still pay (more) for it, so why pull the plug? 

[Jeremie Noguer]

I understand the disappointment and frustration... Many of you have invested significant time and creative energy into projects using this tool, and we understand this change impacts your work and creative process. Unfortunately this decision and timeline  was necessary due to platform maintenance constraints that will prevent the team from supporting Aero beyond December 3rd.

[Joyful_shape0D4C]

We can understand those technical issues, but it is annoying is that it took nearly 5 years for Adobe to realise that.

[chansen42]

This was a pretty big shock to us this morning when we learned of it. We have a couple of public-facing experiences that we've rolled out. To hear that these will no longer even function come November (3 short months of notice) is disheartning. If the platform is going to be sunset, it would be nice to at least have it still function for existing projects - even if no new experiences are able to be published. I appreciate the others in this thread providing some alternatives. I'll be sure to check them out.

[SC-Agency]

Yes I almost, almost built a couple of client projects on Aero. But it had an update and lots of things like triggers and animation tanked so I decided not to pull the trigger. Sorry for your situatoin. I hope your clients understand.

[wise_developer0417]

Dear Jeremy,

This situation is truly not acceptable. Many of us have invested significant sums—hundreds, if not thousands of pounds—over time into Adobe’s software suite, counting on Adobe Aero as a core part of our business plans. To withdraw it with less than two months’ notice, when livelihoods literally depend on it, is frankly untenable.

In light of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which is coming into effect soon, I believe Adobe may be crossing a line in terms of consumer rights and fair commercial practices. We have built businesses and made financial projections based on the availability of this software. To have it vanish without appropriate compensation or a viable alternative is simply not right.

I have spent 4/5 years of my life working for a masterpiece on dobe Aero. I urge you and the team to consider a reimbursement for the wasted costs and time, as well as compensation for the projected earnings that have now been lost. We need a fair resolution here, because it’s not as simple as just pulling the plug on something people rely on.

Looking forward to your prompt response on how Adobe plans to address this.

[Peter Villevoye]

I'm afraid you're all out of luck, since Adobe explicitly and continuously stated that this Aero software has a "Beta" status. So you can't legally expect or claim anything. 😕

[SC-Agency]

A 5 year beta is embarrassing and inexcusable really for a brand based on innovation. Then letting it hobble along enough for people to use it because it was included in CC subscriptions and shutting it down is very, very negative for the Adobe brand. The end of Dimension for 3D feels the same. Here is how this translates:

Next Adobe Max some hyped influencer or Adobe software developer comes out and shows a jaw dropping app but says its not quite ready for release... First thought for anyone who used Aero is, "No way. Not gonna fall for that again."

First this thread said shutdown was because AR glasses aren't going to be a thing, then it was "due to platform maintenance constraints." Like funding, like not wanting to innovate, like what does that corporate speak mean? The language of corporation is not the native language of creators. 

Yes, initially Aero users are out of luck, but if Adobe considers this a "win" because they can legally say it was "beta" all along, the Adobe brand is making a big gamble in long term brand loyalty. 

The age of big brands having massive marketshare is starting to crumble. Decentralization, fragmentation, the end of the monoverse, THIS is reality. Some of the most innovative, unique and inspiring creations are no longer being made with Adobe products. Charging more for less and taking away apps doesn't help the Adobe brand. Ask Disney Parks about pushing people too far. 

Also, nothing personal but as stated on other threads Adobe Community Experts answering in the forums are compensated: https://helpx.adobe.com/community/community-experts.html

[rayek.elfin]

If there is one thing I have learned in my career as a digital media creator, is that the longer term a project becomes, and the higher the dependency on niche-level specialist tools, the more fragile and prone to failure the entire project gets.

And the risks increase exponentially when such tools are ALSO cloud-based or dependent on external servers/internet to keep functioning. Add in a beta status, and looking back at Adobe's well-known history with cancelling products?

Well, this was to be expected. The signs were on the wall everywhere.

Which is why I favour the use of lower-level general-purpose tools such as Godot and Unreal (or Unity), and while it takes more time and skill to learn these, at least I know for certain they will be around in the long term. These tools provide an extensive scope for expanding features over which I and my team have full control. Even better, an open source tool such as Godot doesn't require any licensing or even internet connection. I and my team have full control over the project, instead of having to rely on third-party specialist tools that could be discontinued or have their cost increased beyond our control. Or being forced to update to a new version in the middle of a project and causing showstopping bugs...

I suppose for smaller and shorter term projects tools such as Aero might be a good fit. Beyond that? No, I'd learned to stay clear of these. Just too fragile and risky for long-term projects where stability and control is required. 

Learn from this experience, and always ask yourself at the start of a long-term project: what is the worst that could happen? What happens when support for the software is cut off? Can I continue work even without an internet connection? Is it possible that the company goes under during the course of the project? What is the history of said company (if anything, Adobe has a rueful track record) Will my existing released projects continue to run? Do I have full supervision over my released products, or am I having to rely on a third-party server? ...and so on.

I have been burned too many times in the past by software companies discontinuing software or enforcing updates. Or suddenly switching to a more expensive non-perpetual licensing. If you cannot build in contingengies because your entire pipeline is based on just one very specific tool, in beta version, without a bail-out option or even stability of continued use of the current version in semi-long term? 

Nah, I'd be setting myself up for failure. 

In short, do your due dillegence.

@wise_developer0417 I feel your pain - I have been in similar situations before. You feel as if the rug was pulled out underneath you. Sorry that it has to happen to you and others here. 

[SC-Agency]

This is why we have something in our client contract about inability to control software / technology changes, terminations, increased costs. Sometimes you have to rely on a tool you wish you didn't or in other cases like when Google Maps switched to a paid platform for API use you don't see it coming. Even when you use an amazing tool like Ultra used to be for keying a company like Adobe buys them out and tucks a very watered down version into Premiere. It's almost impossible to use tech that will be guaranteed to stay on track and be affordable. 

[Peter Villevoye]

Very wise to have such a disclaimer in your client contract !
When you're in digital media (either as a creator, producer, contractor, client, or even as consumer) you're never sure of the future.

I remember an interview by a colleague with Russell Brown (Photoshop's Godfather) about Photoshop's 20th anniversary, in which he was asked "What do you think of the f..." and he immediately interrupts the question, saying jokingly: "Oh no, no, not the future question. Well thank you very much, it has been great talking to you !"

I think it was back in 2010, and I still have the cherished audio snippet which I used in one of the first Digital Publishing Suite issues (see enclosed file). Another technology and toolset which co-incidentally went from hero to zero in 5 years (and it wasn't even a Beta...)

[Joyful_shape0D4C]

Very disappointing.

It took nearly five years for Adobe to decide to shut down AERO, during which time we, the users, continued developing projects, ideas, classrooms, and more. Adobe has provided no proper explanation for this decision, and we’ve simply been left stranded.

It’s difficult to understand how a company like Adobe was unable to progress with a digital tool that is rapidly evolving and helping so many industries—a tool that is clearly part of the future of digital connectivity and creative work.

The problem isn’t just that Adobe is shutting down AERO; the real issue is that freelance professionals, who rely on multiple Adobe applications, are now forced to look for alternatives—most of which are prohibitively expensive. The so-called “no-code” platforms either offer severely limited free versions or require subscription fees as if you were a large corporate client. Some are unreliable, raising concerns about misuse of end-user devices, while others charge per project or per use, which is completely unfair.

I’m personally very upset. I have several AR projects now in limbo because AERO has been stuck in Beta for years, and it’s difficult to justify paying unfair annual fees to other platforms. Unfortunately, Adobe has used its subscribers’ loyalty—keeping them in anticipation—only to take five years to shut down the app.

This is unprofessional and makes you question how reliable Adobe really is as a partner for creative professionals. Perhaps it’s time to start supporting other, more serious digital creative organizations.

[quitecontrary]

I completely agree with this sentiment. I'm ready to leave Adobe products altogether. Adding AI to all the programs has been completely useless and I'm ready to join the crowd that is done with Adobe. Aero is among the most creative apps they have -- they should at least sell the tech to someone else who has a passion for augmented reality, the programmers work shouldn't be wasted either.

[Peter Villevoye]

@Jeremie Noguer (who worked for Substance since 2006 and now for Adobe) mentioned: "This decision and timeline was necessary due to platform maintenance constraints that will prevent the team from supporting Aero beyond December 3rd". Sounds like a serious technical issue. I'll even hold my breath on that December 3rd, for what might happen to other Adobe cloud services... 😉

Since you've already tried out a few other alternative tools, could you point out some specific pros and cons of them ? 

[Joyful_shape0D4C]

Hi everyone,

After this shocking news, I took on the task of searching for a suitable no-code AR platform that offers good technical options, quality, reliability, and at least some affordability. I have reviewed around 20 AR platforms, including Unity. While some offer impressive technical features, subscription prices are often ridiculous, or worse, they charge per user/view.

I tested a few of them, but my main focus was on researching the company background, ownership, support options, tutorials and documentation, as well as compatibility with other systems, platforms, and file types (mainly .glb and .usdz). What I found was surprising: some platforms had great technical features but very dubious company sources, while others had poor technical or customer support.

As a freelancer, these are my main concerns when creating projects. The hardest part was realizing that many organizations charge as if you were a large corporate team running mega-projects, rather than an independent creator.

After nearly a month of research, I can share my personal recommendation to replace AERO once it is no longer available. The two main platforms are Scenery and Vectary. Scenery, unfortunately, is only available for Apple devices (although they are working on broader compatibility).

My current choice is Vectary — and I love it. It has great tutorials (both in-app and on YouTube), plus an active Discord community. You can join as an individual with up to 5 projects (with a company watermark), or choose a reasonably priced mid-range plan that works well for freelancers.

I have already tested AR projects with 3D objects I created in Blender, and everything works effortlessly. The studio interface is very user-friendly. The final product is a link that you can easily convert into a QR code using tools like QR Code Generator, allowing your viewers to access your projects instantly. One advantage of using QR Code Generator is that it provides basic statistics, which can be very useful if you have clients who need user data.

What impressed me even more is that Vectary is not just an AR generator — it also includes basic 3D design tools and scene-building options. Vectary is a company based in California, and its platform arrived just in time, as I have important projects to release soon with local organizations. I also need to replace my existing AR and QR codes previously created in AERO.

I hope this information helps once AERO is no longer available.

[Immortal Interactive Inc]

Are there any plans to integrate any or all of Aero's AR, QR Code and URL capabilities into iOS or Android?

Like hoe Shazam used to be a stand alone app, but is now a part of a mobile device's OS now

[default1t5385u7c2jd]

I’ve been incorporating Adobe Aero into nearly all of my work and teaching it to my students—now it feels like the rug is being pulled out from under us. I’ve painted 60-foot interactive murals in my hometown with painted QR codes to activate them, and fine art pieces built around the Adobe Aero technology. And now, in the blink of an eye, all of that work will vanish. This was an incredible tool, and it’s hard to understand why it’s being taken away. #Sadness #Confusion #Iwouldbegbutitwonthelp

[HollywebVideoGuy]

Holy ...!  That was my biggest fear in taking contracts.  What happens if Adobe doesnt ever move forward or discontinues.  Ive turned down over 25 contracts.
I did create some free stuff for people to play with and makes me cringe how bad I may look if those codes suddenly dont work.  They wont know the Adobe reason.  I would have bet this was going to be huge.  Ive seen and done things i never imagined.  My entire backyard is a AR western town you can walk around inside and out.

[abuse removed by moderator]