If you're an iPhone user, you've likely encountered the 'HEIC' file format. What exactly is HEIC? This comprehensive guide covers everything about HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container), from the basics and its relationship with HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) to its differences from JPG, advantages and disadvantages, compatibility on Windows and Mac, and how to convert HEIC files to JPG.

What is HEIC?

HEIC stands for 'High Efficiency Image Container' and is an image file format adopted by Apple starting with iOS 11. This format is part of the broader 'HEIF' (High Efficiency Image File Format) container format. HEIF is designed to efficiently store various media data, including not just single images, but also image sequences (like Live Photos), audio, and depth maps.

The main feature of HEIC is its name: 'High Efficiency.' Compared to traditional JPG format, it can maintain equivalent or superior image quality while reducing file size by approximately half. This allows iPhone users to save storage space and store more photos.

Apple introduced HEIC in iOS 11 in 2017 and adopted it as the default photo format for iPhones. Since then, photos taken with iPhones are automatically saved in HEIC format (unless changed in settings).

How to Pronounce HEICHEIC is pronounced as 'heek' or 'he-ik.' It's an acronym for 'High Efficiency Image Container' in English, and in Japanese, it's commonly pronounced as 'he-ik' (ヒーイック).

HEIC File Features

The HEIC format has many excellent features that traditional image formats don't have. Here are the main features:

High-Efficiency Compression

HEIC uses the HEVC (H.265) compression algorithm, achieving approximately 50% file size reduction compared to JPG while maintaining equivalent or superior image quality. Since the same quality is maintained with smaller file sizes, you can significantly save storage capacity.

16-bit Color Depth

Compared to JPG's 8-bit color depth, HEIC supports up to 16-bit color depth. This enables richer color representation and smoother gradients. It's particularly powerful for HDR photos and professional photography.

Transparency Support

Similar to PNG format, HEIC supports alpha channels (transparency). This allows saving images with transparent backgrounds, making it useful for design and graphics work. JPG format doesn't support transparency, so HEIC is superior in this regard.

Multiple Image Support

A single HEIC file can contain multiple images or image sequences. iPhone's 'Live Photos' feature utilizes this capability to save both regular photos and videos simultaneously in a single file.

Rich Metadata

HEIC can store rich metadata, including depth maps, EXIF information, and editing history. This enables more advanced editing in photo editing applications.

Non-Destructive Editing

The HEIC format supports non-destructive editing, allowing you to save editing information while preserving the original image data. This enables you to undo edits or return to the original state as many times as needed.

The Relationship Between HEIC and HEIF

HEIC and HEIF are often confused, but they are actually different concepts. HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is a standard for a container format for storing images and videos, standardized by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group). On the other hand, HEIC is a specific image file format implemented by Apple using the HEIF format.

In other words, HEIC is one implementation of HEIF with Apple-specific extensions. HEIF is a broader standard, and other manufacturers can create their own file formats using HEIF, but currently, HEIC is the most widely adopted HEIF-based image format.

In practical use, HEIC and HEIF are often used interchangeably, but understanding that HEIC is Apple's implementation of HEIF helps explain compatibility issues.

Simply put, HEIF is the 'standard,' and HEIC is 'Apple's implementation of the HEIF standard.' HEIC files are technically a type of HEIF file but with Apple-specific features and extensions added.

HEIC Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

✓Smaller file size: Can reduce file size by approximately 50% compared to JPG, significantly saving storage capacity.
✓Maintains high image quality: Even with smaller file sizes, maintains equivalent or superior image quality compared to JPG.
✓16-bit color depth: Enables richer color representation, suitable for professional photography.
✓Transparency support: Supports transparency similar to PNG, suitable for design purposes.
✓Multiple image support: Can contain multiple images in a single file, utilized for features like Live Photos.
✓Non-destructive editing: Preserves editing history, allowing you to return to the original state as many times as needed.
✓Rich metadata: Can store rich metadata including depth maps and editing information.

Disadvantages

While HEIC format has many advantages, it also has the following disadvantages:

⚠Compatibility issues: Windows 10 and earlier versions don't have standard support, requiring extension installation. Also, some older devices and applications may not be able to open them.
⚠Limited display in web browsers: Many web browsers cannot display HEIC files directly. When uploading images to websites, you usually need to convert them to JPG or PNG.
⚠Limited support on social media: Some platforms like Facebook and Instagram may not support direct HEIC file uploads.
⚠Software compatibility: Older versions of photo editing software may not be able to open HEIC files.
⚠Inconvenience in sharing: When sharing HEIC files with others, conversion may be necessary if the recipient's device doesn't support HEIC.

HEIC Compatibility Across Platforms

HEIC format compatibility varies significantly by platform. Here's the compatibility status for each platform:

iOS / iPadOS

iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or later have standard HEIC support. Photos are automatically saved in HEIC format by default, allowing efficient use of storage capacity. They can be opened without issues in Photos app and other applications.

macOS

Macs running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later have full HEIC support. You can open them directly in Preview app and Photos app, and conversion is easy. For Mac users, HEIC is a very user-friendly format.

Windows 10 / 11

Windows 10 and Windows 11 cannot open HEIC files directly by default. However, by installing 'HEIF Image Extensions' and 'HEVC Video Extensions' from Microsoft Store, you can view HEIC files in Photos app and File Explorer. For conversion, dedicated converter tools or online tools are needed.

Windows 7 / 8

Older versions like Windows 7 and Windows 8 don't have standard HEIC support. To use HEIC files on these systems, you need to convert them to JPG or PNG using online converter tools.

Android

Android devices have limited standard HEIC support. While some newer Android devices and apps support it, many cases require dedicated apps or converter tools to open HEIC files.

Web Browsers

Many web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) cannot display HEIC files directly. When uploading images to websites or displaying images in browsers, you need to convert them to JPG or PNG.

When to Use HEIC

While HEIC format has excellent features, it's not optimal for all situations. HEIC is recommended in the following scenarios:

Taking photos with iPhone or iPad

On iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or later, photos are automatically saved in HEIC format by default. This is very effective, especially when taking many photos, as it maintains high quality while saving storage capacity.

When you want to save storage space

Since you can reduce file size by approximately half while maintaining the same image quality, you can significantly save device storage capacity. This benefit is particularly significant when using 64GB or 128GB devices.

When you want to save high-quality photos

16-bit color depth enables richer color representation. It's suitable for professional photography and saving HDR photos.

Images requiring transparency

Since it supports transparency similar to PNG, it's suitable for design purposes and saving images with transparent backgrounds.

Sharing photos between Apple devices

When sharing photos between iPhone, iPad, and Mac using iCloud Photos or AirDrop, HEIC format can be shared without issues.

When non-destructive editing is needed

Since it preserves editing history and allows returning to the original state as many times as needed, it's very convenient when performing photo editing.

How to Convert HEIC to Other Formats

While HEIC format has many advantages, due to compatibility issues, you may need to convert them to other formats like JPG or PNG in some cases.

Using HEIC.Best's free online converter tool, you can easily convert HEIC files to JPG, PNG, or PDF. No software installation is required, and conversion can be done directly from your browser. You can also use the batch conversion feature to convert multiple files at once.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is an image file format adopted by Apple starting with iOS 11. It can achieve approximately 50% file size reduction compared to JPG while maintaining equivalent or superior image quality.

How do you pronounce HEIC?

HEIC is pronounced as 'heek' or 'he-ik.' It's an acronym for 'High Efficiency Image Container' in English.

What's the difference between HEIC and HEIF?

HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is a standard for a container format for storing images, while HEIC is a specific image file format implemented by Apple using the HEIF format. In other words, HEIC is one implementation of HEIF.

How do I open HEIC files on Windows?

On Windows 10/11, you can view HEIC files by installing 'HEIF Image Extensions' from Microsoft Store. However, for conversion, dedicated converter tools or online tools are needed.

Do I need to convert HEIC to JPG?

It's recommended to convert to JPG when uploading to websites, viewing on older devices, or sharing with others (when the recipient's device may not support HEIC).

What is the file extension for HEIC files?

HEIC files have the extension '.heic' or '.heif.' Typically, photos taken with iPhone are saved with the '.heic' extension.

Can HEIC files be opened on other devices?

They have standard support on iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or later, and Macs running macOS High Sierra or later. On Windows 10/11, extension installation is required. On Android and older devices, converter tools may be needed.

Conclusion

HEIC is an excellent image format for Apple device users. It combines high compression efficiency with superior image quality, significantly saving storage capacity, making it very effective especially when taking many photos with iPhone or iPad. However, due to compatibility issues, you may need to convert to JPG or PNG for sharing or editing purposes. Using HEIC.Best, you can easily convert HEIC to other formats for free.

Ready to Convert Your HEIC Files?

Using HEIC.Best's free online converter tool, you can easily convert HEIC to JPG, PNG, or PDF. No registration required, and files are processed securely in your browser.

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