If you have ever sent iPhone photos to a Windows computer or tried to upload them to a website, you have probably seen a file ending in .heic that refuses to open. Here is what it is and how to deal with it.
What does HEIC mean?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It is Apple’s implementation of the HEIF standard, which stores images compressed with the HEVC (H.265) codec. Apple made it the default camera format in iOS 11 in 2017.
Why Apple uses HEIC
- Smaller files: roughly half the size of an equivalent JPG, so you can store twice as many photos.
- Better quality: supports 16-bit colour and HDR, while JPG is limited to 8-bit.
- More features: a single HEIC file can contain Live Photos, depth maps and image sequences.
The problem: compatibility
HEVC is covered by patents and licensing fees, so support outside Apple’s ecosystem is patchy. Windows needs an extra extension from the Microsoft Store, many Android galleries cannot open HEIC, and most upload forms only accept JPG or PNG.
How to open or convert HEIC files
Online, on any device (easiest)
Use our HEIC to JPG converter. It runs in your browser, so your photos are never uploaded, and you can convert hundreds of files at once and download them as a ZIP.
On the iPhone itself
When you share a photo via Mail or AirDrop to a non-Apple device, iOS often converts it to JPG automatically. To stop saving HEIC altogether, go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible.
On a Mac
Open the photo in Preview, choose File → Export and select JPEG.
On Windows
Install the “HEIF Image Extensions” from the Microsoft Store to view HEIC files in the Photos app, or simply use the online converter.
Should I keep HEIC or switch to JPG?
If you mostly use Apple devices and iCloud, keep HEIC — it saves a lot of space. If you often share photos with Windows or Android users or upload them to websites, switch to “Most Compatible” or convert only the photos you need.