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What is HEIC? Apple's Image Format Explained

What is HEIC?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It's the default image format that Apple uses on iPhones and iPads since iOS 11 (released in 2017). When you take a photo on your iPhone, it's most likely saved as a .heic file.

Why Does Apple Use HEIC?

Apple adopted HEIC because it offers significant advantages over the older JPG format:

  • Smaller file sizes: HEIC images are typically 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPG files while maintaining the same visual quality. This means more photos on your device without running out of storage.
  • Better quality: At the same file size, HEIC delivers noticeably better image quality than JPG, with fewer compression artifacts.
  • Advanced features: HEIC supports features like transparency (alpha channels), image sequences (live photos), and 16-bit color depth.
  • Multiple images: A single HEIC file can contain multiple images, which is how Apple stores Live Photos and burst mode shots.

The Problem with HEIC

Despite its technical advantages, HEIC has a major compatibility issue: many applications and platforms don't support it. You might encounter problems when:

  • Sharing photos via email to Windows users
  • Uploading images to websites that only accept JPG
  • Opening photos in older image editing software
  • Printing photos at a photo lab
  • Using photos on social media platforms

How to Convert HEIC Files

The easiest way to convert HEIC files is to use our free online converter. It works directly in your browser, so your photos never leave your computer. Simply drag and drop your HEIC files, choose your output format, and download the converted images.

You can convert to:

  • JPG – Best compatibility, works everywhere
  • PNG – Lossless quality, larger files
  • WebP – Modern format with excellent compression

Is HEIC the Same as HEIF?

Almost. HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is the broader standard, while HEIC is specifically the variant that uses the HEVC (H.265) codec for compression. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, and both .heic and .heif files can be converted with our tool.

Should I Keep Using HEIC on My iPhone?

Yes! HEIC is an excellent format for storing photos on your device. It saves significant storage space while maintaining high quality. You only need to convert to JPG when sharing files with others or uploading to platforms that don't support HEIC.

You can change your iPhone's camera format in Settings > Camera > Formats, choosing between "High Efficiency" (HEIC) and "Most Compatible" (JPG).

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