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HEIC

The HEIC image format

HEIC is the default photo format on iPhones. It saves storage space, but many computers, browsers and upload forms cannot open it without converting it first.

ConvertHEIC → JPGHEIC → PNGHEIC → WebPHEIC → PDF

What it is

HEIC is a variant of HEIF, the High Efficiency Image File Format, a container standard created by MPEG. In a HEIC file, the images are compressed with HEVC, also known as H.265, a modern video codec. The extensions .heic and .heif are both common.

Apple made HEIF the default camera format on supported iPhones with iOS 11 in 2017. Apple describes HEIC photos as taking roughly half the space of a JPEG of similar quality. Some Android phones also offer HEIF as an option.

Besides the main image, a HEIF file can hold several images and extra data, such as depth information for portrait-style photos.

Strengths

  • Small files. Efficient compression saves a lot of storage on phones with large photo libraries.
  • Good quality. Fine detail and smooth gradients hold up well at small file sizes.
  • Flexible container. Several images and auxiliary data can live in one file.

Weaknesses

  • Limited compatibility. Chrome, Firefox and Edge cannot display HEIC, so most websites and upload forms reject it.
  • Windows needs extensions. Opening HEIC on Windows usually requires the HEIF and HEVC extensions from the Microsoft Store, and the HEVC one may cost a small fee.
  • Licensing. HEVC is covered by patents, which slows adoption in software.
  • Not for sharing. The person receiving the file may not be able to open it.

When to use it

HEIC is fine as a storage format on your iPhone and within the Apple ecosystem. Before you upload photos to a website, send them to someone on another platform, or attach them to an application, convert them to JPG. If you would rather avoid HEIC altogether, go to Settings > Camera > Formats on the iPhone and choose Most Compatible; new photos will then be saved as JPG.

How to open and convert HEIC

  • HEIC to JPG, PNG or WebP: the HEIC to JPG converter converts several files at once. Choose JPG for compatibility, PNG for lossless output or WebP for websites, and optionally a maximum width. A HEIC decoder is downloaded into your browser the first time you add a HEIC file; the photos themselves are not uploaded. The output does not carry over metadata such as the date and GPS location.
  • HEIC to PDF: the image to PDF tool accepts HEIC files directly, which is handy for photographed documents.

Renaming a .heic file to .jpg does not convert it. The guide on file extensions explains why, and the guide to HEIC covers the iPhone settings in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between HEIC and HEIF?

HEIF is the container format. HEIC refers to HEIF files whose images are compressed with HEVC, which is what iPhones produce. In everyday use the names are interchangeable.

Why is the converted JPG larger than the HEIC?

HEIC compresses more efficiently, so it stores the same photo in fewer bytes. A larger JPG is normal, not a sign of a problem.

Does converting HEIC lose quality?

JPG is lossy, so some information is discarded, but at the default quality of 85 the difference is very hard to see. Live Photo motion and depth data are not carried over, since a JPG holds a single image.