What is HEIC?
HEIC — HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format for iPhone (iOS 11+) and Mac cameras, based on the HEIF standard. It produces images roughly half the size of JPEG at equivalent quality, but has limited compatibility outside Apple platforms.
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the file container format used by Apple for HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) images. Apple adopted HEIC as the default capture format on iPhone with iOS 11 in 2017. HEIC uses HEVC (H.265) video encoding to compress still images, achieving roughly 50% smaller file sizes than JPEG at comparable visual quality.
HEIC supports 10-bit color depth (vs JPEG's 8-bit), HDR metadata, alpha channel transparency, image sequences (Live Photos), and burst photography in a single file. Apple devices natively read and write HEIC; Windows 10/11 requires a Microsoft store codec package; most Linux systems lack native support.
For sharing and publishing outside the Apple ecosystem, HEIC must be converted to JPEG or PNG. Apple provides automatic conversion to JPEG when AirDropping to non-Apple devices or uploading via USB on Windows.
HEIC vs JPEG vs WebP
HEIC is typically 50% smaller than JPEG at equivalent quality — the same advantage AVIF has over JPEG, because both use similar intra-frame coding techniques. However, HEIC support outside Apple devices and browsers is limited. WebP has near-universal browser support and is typically 25–34% smaller than JPEG. For web delivery, convert HEIC to WebP or AVIF. For universal compatibility, convert to JPEG.
HEIC Tools on PicsSizer
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open a HEIC file on Windows?▾
On Windows 10/11, install the 'HEVC Video Extensions' codec from the Microsoft Store (may cost a small fee) or use a free tool like HEIC-to-JPEG converters. Alternatively, convert the HEIC file to JPEG before transferring it to Windows.
Can I convert HEIC to JPEG?▾
Yes. PicsSizer's Image Converter supports HEIC to JPEG, PNG, and WebP conversion. On iPhone, you can also change the capture format to 'Most Compatible' in Settings > Camera > Formats to shoot JPEG instead of HEIC.