HEIC / HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format)
HEIC is the default photo format on iPhones, storing images at about half the size of JPEG. Learn why it causes compatibility problems and how to convert it.
- Type
- Image
- File extensions
- .heic, .heif
- MIME type
- image/heic
What is HEIC / HEIF?
HEIF is a container standard from MPEG; HEIC is HEIF with images compressed by the HEVC (H.265) codec. Apple adopted it as the default camera format with iOS 11 in 2017.
HEIC photos are roughly half the size of comparable JPEGs and can store depth maps, bursts and Live Photo data.
When to use HEIC / HEIF
- Saving storage space on iPhones and iPads
- Keeping high-quality photos inside the Apple ecosystem
Limitations
- Limited support on Windows, Android apps and many websites
- Most browsers cannot display HEIC images
Compatibility
Opens natively on Apple devices. Windows needs an extension; most browsers do not display it.
Compared with other formats
- JPEG / JPG: Converting HEIC to JPG is the easiest way to share iPhone photos with anyone.
Tools for HEIC / HEIF files
Image Metadata Viewer
Inspect all embedded metadata in an image, including EXIF, XMP, IPTC and ICC color profile data.
HEIC to JPG
Convert iPhone HEIC/HEIF photos into JPG files that open everywhere.
HEIC to PNG
Convert iPhone HEIC/HEIF photos into lossless PNG files.
EXIF Viewer
See camera settings and GPS location stored in a photo, and download a copy with EXIF removed.