What Is HEIC? What Is a HEIC File?

What is HEIC and what does a HEIC file contain?

HEIC is the filename extension commonly used for images stored in the High Efficiency Image File Format family. On Apple devices, a HEIC file is frequently associated with photos encoded using HEVC-based image compression. The practical result is simple: a HEIC file can often keep similar visual quality to a JPG while using less storage space.

That efficiency is useful on phones, where thousands of photos can quickly consume storage. It is also why recent iPhones often save camera photos as HEIC when the camera format is set to the high-efficiency option.

Why do iPhones create HEIC files?

Phone cameras produce large images, and efficient storage matters. HEIC gives Apple a way to reduce file size while preserving strong image quality. That is why many iPhones create HEIC files when the camera is set to the high-efficiency format. A HEIC file can also support richer image data and related media structures than a basic JPEG file.

The tradeoff is compatibility. JPG has been used for decades and is supported almost everywhere. HEIC support has improved, but some older desktop apps, web upload forms, email workflows, and editing tools still expect JPG or PNG.

Is HEIC better than JPG?

There is no single winner for every workflow. HEIC is usually better when storage efficiency matters and the devices in your workflow support it. JPG is usually better when you need predictable compatibility across older software, websites, and non-Apple devices.

If you are deciding which format to keep or share, see our detailed HEIC vs JPG comparison.

How can I open a HEIC file?

Apple devices generally open HEIC files directly. On modern Windows systems, HEIC file support depends on the installed image components and the application being used. If Windows cannot open a HEIC file, you can either add HEIC support to the system or convert the HEIC file to a more widely accepted format.

For Windows-specific options, read How to Open HEIC on Windows.

When should you convert a HEIC file?

• Convert a HEIC file to JPG when a website, app, printer, or recipient does not accept HEIC and you want a relatively compact photo file.
• Convert to PNG when you want a lossless decoded image for editing or image-processing workflows and larger output files are acceptable.
• Keep HEIC when your devices already support it and storage efficiency matters more than universal compatibility.

What happens to metadata and Live Photos?

Converting a HEIC file creates a new output image. Depending on the conversion method, metadata such as EXIF fields may not be preserved. A Live Photo also contains more than a single still image, so converting the HEIC image alone does not reproduce the motion component.

For that reason, keep the original HEIC file if you may need its original metadata or Apple-specific photo features later.

Source and verification

Apple describes HEIF capture, compatibility settings and conversion options in its official HEIF and HEVC support guide. This explains the camera setting; FileOnTap's local export is a separate implementation.