What is a HEIC file?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It is the file format iPhones and iPads have used for photos by default since iOS 11 in 2017. Inside, the picture is compressed with HEVC, the same technology as 4K video, which is why a HEIC photo is about half the size of the equivalent JPG while keeping more detail and a wider range of colors. The container can also hold Live Photo frames, depth maps, and edits without touching the original.
The catch is compatibility. HEIC is an Apple default, not an internet standard, so Windows, Android, older software, and most websites either cannot open it or need an extra codec.
How to open a HEIC file
On a Mac or iPhone, HEIC simply works in Photos, Preview, and Safari. On Windows 11, Photos can open HEIC if the HEVC Video Extensions are installed from the Microsoft Store, which Microsoft charges for. Android 10 and later can view HEIC in Google Photos, but many apps and upload forms still refuse it.
The reliable answer everywhere is to convert the photo to JPG or PNG once. Our HEIC to JPG converter does it in the browser, keeps the full resolution, handles a whole album at a time, and never uploads the photos anywhere.
How to stop your iPhone using HEIC
Settings, then Camera, then Formats: choose Most Compatible to shoot JPG instead. You lose some storage efficiency but gain effortless sharing. You can also set Settings, Photos, Transfer to Mac or PC to Automatic, which converts HEIC to JPG while copying photos to a computer.
Frequently asked questions
Is HEIC better than JPG?
Technically yes: smaller files, 16-bit color, transparency, and lossless edits. Practically, JPG opens everywhere and HEIC does not, which is why most people convert before sharing.
Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?
A little, since JPG is lossy, but at quality 90 or above the difference is invisible and the full resolution is kept.
What is the difference between HEIC and HEIF?
HEIF is the general container standard; HEIC is the version of it that uses HEVC compression. Apple uses the .heic extension; the files are otherwise the same thing.