What is a HEIC file?
A HEIC file is a photo saved in Apple’s default image format. It is smaller than a JPG of similar quality, but not every device or website can open it.
Updated · 3 min read
The short answer
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. Files usually end in .heic and are what an iPhone or iPad produces when the camera is set to its default “High Efficiency” mode. Inside, the picture is compressed with HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding, also known as H.265) and wrapped in a HEIF container.
In practice that means a HEIC photo needs less storage than a JPG that looks the same. Apple says HEIF and HEVC offer better compression than JPEG and H.264 while preserving the same visual quality. Apple made HEIC the default from iOS 11 (2017).
HEIC, HEIF and HEVC – what is what?
| Term | What it is |
|---|---|
| HEIF | High Efficiency Image File Format – the container standard (ISO/IEC 23008-12) developed by MPEG. |
| HEVC / H.265 | The compression method used for the picture data inside Apple’s files. |
| HEIC | The name Apple uses for HEIF files whose pictures are compressed with HEVC. The file extension is .heic. |
The relationship is covered in more detail in HEIC vs HEIF.
What can a HEIC file do that a JPG cannot?
- Store more than one image in a single file, which is how Live Photos and burst shots can be kept together.
- Keep extra data such as depth information used by Portrait mode.
- Use higher bit depth than the 8 bits per channel that JPG is limited to.
- Support transparency through an alpha channel, although ordinary camera photos do not use it.
- Save edits non-destructively, because the format can carry the original image and adjustment data.
Why does the iPhone use HEIC?
Storage. Modern phone cameras produce large images, and a format that halves the space for the same visual quality lets users keep far more photos on the device and in iCloud. Apple’s support documentation describes the space saving as the reason to keep the High Efficiency setting.
Apple handles most compatibility problems for you. When you share a photo through many apps, the iPhone can send a JPEG version automatically, so recipients often never notice HEIC. Problems usually appear when you copy the original files to a computer or upload them to a website.
The downsides of HEIC
- Patchy support outside Apple. Windows needs extra codecs, some Android gallery apps and older software cannot read it, and many web forms reject it.
- Licensing. HEVC is covered by patents that must be licensed, which is one reason operating systems often ship HEIC support as an optional add-on rather than by default.
- Editing tools. Some editors and print services still expect JPG or PNG.
How to open or convert a HEIC file
- On iPhone, iPad and Mac: just open it – support is built in.
- On Windows: install the HEIF and HEVC extensions, or convert the file. See how to open HEIC files on Windows.
- On Android: recent versions can display it; otherwise convert it. See how to open HEIC files on Android.
- Anywhere: use the HEIC to JPG converter, which runs in your browser so photos are not uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about HEIC files, privacy and conversion.
Is HEIC better than JPG?
For storage efficiency, yes: HEIC files are usually much smaller at similar visual quality. For compatibility, no: JPG opens on virtually everything. Which is better depends on whether you are storing photos or sharing them.
Is a HEIC file the same as a HEIF file?
They are closely related. HEIF is the container standard; HEIC is the name Apple uses for HEIF files whose pictures use HEVC compression.
Can I rename .heic to .jpg?
No. Renaming only changes the label; the data inside is still HEIC, so most programs will refuse to open it. Use a converter instead.
Does HEIC lose quality?
HEIC is a lossy format, like JPG, but it is more efficient. The photo your iPhone saves is already compressed, and converting it to another lossy format compresses it again.