What is a HEIC file?
Updated October 12, 2026
A HEIC file is a photo saved in the High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF), using HEVC (H.265) compression. The .heic extension is what Apple uses for these photos. Since iOS 11 in 2017, iPhones (from the iPhone 7 on) save photos as HEIC by default, and Macs open them natively.
Why iPhones use HEIC
HEIC stores a photo in much less space than JPG at similar quality; files are often around half the size. On a phone with thousands of photos, that adds up to many gigabytes.
HEIC can also hold more than a single picture, such as the depth information used for Portrait mode, and it supports more than 8 bits of color per channel.
Where HEIC files work
| Where | Opens HEIC files? |
|---|---|
| iPhone, iPad and Mac | Yes, built in |
| Windows 10 and 11 | After installing the HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store |
| Android | Recent versions can; individual apps vary |
| Websites and upload forms | Often not accepted |
| Older photo editors | Often not |
The last two rows are why many people convert HEIC photos to JPG before sharing them.
How to open or convert a HEIC file
- On Windows, install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Some PCs also need the HEVC Video Extensions. See how to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows.
- On any computer, convert the photo with our HEIC to JPG converter. It runs in your browser, handles several photos at once, and doesn't upload them. Choose HEIC to PNG if you need a lossless copy.
- On your iPhone, you can stop the problem at the source: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible takes new photos as JPG.
HEIC and privacy
Like JPG, HEIC photos usually carry metadata such as the date, camera model and, if location services were on, where the photo was taken. Our converter removes location data by default, which is worth keeping in mind before you post photos publicly.
Related
- HEIC vs JPG: which to use and when
- Open iPhone photos on a Windows PC