Images
What is HEIC?
Short for High Efficiency Image Container. Also called HEIF.
HEIC is the photo format iPhones use by default. It stores images about half the size of an equivalent JPEG, but many programs and websites can’t open it.
How it works
HEIC is Apple’s name for HEIF images compressed with the HEVC (H.265) video codec. Like AVIF, it borrows video compression techniques to store still photos much more efficiently than JPEG, and it can hold extras such as depth maps, bursts and the short video of a Live Photo in one file.
The problem is compatibility. Apple devices handle HEIC everywhere, but many Windows computers, older Android phones, web browsers and upload forms don’t. The photo is fine; the software receiving it lacks a decoder.
HEIC vs JPEG
| Feature | HEIC | JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | About half | Baseline |
| Color depth | Up to 10-bit | 8-bit |
| Opens in | Apple devices, recent software | Everything |
| Best for | Storing photos on your phone | Sharing and uploading |
Keep HEIC originals for storage and convert copies to JPEG when sending them somewhere else.
A practical example
A 12-megapixel iPhone photo might be 1.8 MB as HEIC and 3.5 MB as a JPEG. Uploaded to a job application portal, the HEIC version may simply be rejected.
What to watch out for
Converting HEIC to JPEG re-compresses the image, so do it from the original once, not repeatedly. Converters may also drop Live Photo motion and depth data.
Tools you can use
- Image Converter · Change an image from one format to another
- Image Compressor · Cut file size with a visible quality trade-off
- EXIF Viewer · See camera, settings and location data
Go a little deeper
- Your HEIC file isn’t broken, Windows just can’t read it
- Your photo is too large to email
- How to reduce image size without losing visible quality
- Should you remove EXIF data before sharing a photo?
Common questions
Why won’t my HEIC photo open on Windows?
Windows needs an extra codec for HEIC that isn’t installed on every computer. Converting the photo to JPEG avoids the problem entirely.
How do I stop my iPhone saving HEIC photos?
Go to Settings, Camera, Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos will be saved as JPEG. Photos you share by AirDrop or email can also be converted automatically.
Is HEIC better quality than JPEG?
At the same file size, yes. HEIC keeps more detail and supports 10-bit color. At the same visible quality, it simply takes up less space.