HEIC and HEIF are often confused, but they are actually different concepts. This guide explains the definitions of HEIC and HEIF, technical differences, Apple's implementation, and differences in actual usage.

Definitions of HEIF and HEIC

What is HEIF?

HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is a standard for container formats for storing images and videos, standardized by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group).

HEIF is designed to efficiently store various media data, including not just single images, but also image sequences, depth maps, and transparency information.

HEIF is a standard that is not dependent on any specific manufacturer and is an open standard.

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a specific image file format implemented by Apple using the HEIF format.

HEIC is Apple's implementation of HEIF with Apple-specific features and extensions added.

Currently, HEIC is the most widely used HEIF-based image format.

Relationship Between HEIC and HEIF

The relationship between HEIC and HEIF is that of 'standard and implementation.' HEIF is the standard for storing images, and HEIC is a specific format implemented by Apple based on that standard.

In other words, HEIC files are technically a type of HEIF file, but with Apple-specific features and extensions added.

Other manufacturers can also create their own file formats using HEIF, but currently, HEIC is the most widely used.

Simply put, HEIF is the 'standard,' and HEIC is 'Apple's implementation of the HEIF standard.'

Main Differences Between HEIC and HEIF

Definition Differences

HEIF is a standard, while HEIC is Apple's implementation based on that standard.

Compatibility

HEIC files are technically HEIF files, but because they contain Apple-specific features, they may not be fully supported on all HEIF-compatible devices.

Practical Usage

Generally, HEIC and HEIF are often used interchangeably, but technically they are different concepts.

File Extensions

HEIC files typically use the '.heic' extension, but '.heif' extension may also be used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are HEIC and HEIF the same?

Technically, they are different. HEIF is a standard, and HEIC is Apple's implementation of that standard. However, in practice, they are often used interchangeably.

What's the difference between HEIC files and HEIF files?

HEIC files are technically a type of HEIF file, but with Apple-specific features added. There may be differences in file extensions or internal structure.

Which should I use?

If you're using iPhone or Mac, HEIC is standard. Usually, you don't need to choose, as your device automatically uses HEIC format.

Summary

HEIC and HEIF are closely related but are technically different concepts. HEIF is the standard, and HEIC is Apple's implementation of that standard. In practice, they are often used interchangeably, but understanding the technical differences helps you better understand compatibility issues and usage methods.