HEIC File Software Compatibility Guide - Photoshop, Viewers, and Social Media Support
Last updated: January 10, 2026
When using HEIC files with various software and platforms, you may encounter compatibility issues. This guide explains in detail which software and platforms support HEIC files and how to use them.
HEIC Support in Image Editing Software
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 and later support opening and editing HEIC format. However, saving directly in HEIC format may not be supported, and you may need to save in other formats like JPEG or PNG.
When opening HEIC files, you can select them from 'File' → 'Open' just like regular image files.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC support opening and editing HEIC format. You can directly import and edit HEIC photos taken with iPhone.
GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) can read HEIC files using plugins. However, since it's not supported by default, additional setup may be required.
Other Editing Software
Other image editing software have different HEIC support levels. Many software programs support HEIC in their latest versions, but older versions may not support it.
HEIC Support in Image Viewers
Image viewers for displaying HEIC files vary by platform. Below is a summary of support for major viewers.
HEIC.Best Online Viewer
A free online viewer that can display HEIC files directly from your browser. Also supports displaying EXIF metadata.
Windows Photos App
On Windows 10/11, you can display HEIC files in the standard Photos app by installing HEIF Image Extensions.
macOS Preview
On macOS High Sierra or later, you can open HEIC files directly in the standard Preview app.
IrfanView
IrfanView, an image viewer for Windows, can display HEIC files using plugins.
HEIC Support on Social Media Platforms
HEIC support on social media platforms varies by platform. Many platforms automatically convert HEIC files to JPEG format when uploaded.
On Facebook, when you upload HEIC files, they are automatically converted to JPEG format for posting. However, this may affect the quality of converted images.
Instagram also automatically converts HEIC files to JPEG format. If you want to maintain high quality, we recommend converting to JPEG format before uploading.
Twitter/X
Twitter/X may not support direct uploading of HEIC files. You'll need to convert to JPEG format beforehand.
Other Platforms
Other social media platforms also have different HEIC support levels. Generally, we recommend converting to JPEG format before uploading.
HEIC Support in Cloud Storage Services
iCloud
Since iCloud is an Apple service, it fully supports HEIC format. HEIC photos taken with iPhone are automatically synced to iCloud Photo Library.
Google Photos
On Google Photos, when you upload HEIC files, they are automatically converted to JPEG format and saved. If you want to keep original HEIC files, you need to check settings.
OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive supports saving and displaying HEIC files, but the Windows OneDrive app may require installing HEIF extensions.
Dropbox
Dropbox allows saving HEIC files, but viewing in browsers or some apps may be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I save HEIC files in Photoshop?
You can edit HEIC files in Photoshop, but saving directly in HEIC format may not be supported. You'll need to save in other formats like JPEG or PNG.
What happens when I upload HEIC files to Facebook?
On Facebook, HEIC files are automatically converted to JPEG format for posting. The quality of converted images may be slightly lower compared to original HEIC files.
Which software fully supports HEIC?
Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 or later, Adobe Lightroom, and macOS standard applications (Preview, Photos) fully support HEIC. Other software have varying support levels.
What should I do if HEIC files won't open?
If HEIC files won't open, we recommend using compatible software or converting to JPEG format using online tools like HEIC.Best.
Can I keep HEIC files in cloud storage?
iCloud fully supports it, but some services like Google Photos may automatically convert them to JPEG format. If you want to keep original HEIC files, check settings.
Summary
HEIC file software compatibility varies by platform and software. While the latest software often supports HEIC, older versions or some platforms may not support it. If you encounter compatibility issues, we recommend using conversion tools like HEIC.Best to convert to JPEG format.
Ready to Convert Your HEIC Files?
To solve compatibility issues, use HEIC.Best's free online conversion tool to convert HEIC files to JPEG format.
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