What is a .HEIC file?
A .HEIC file is an image file saved in High Efficiency Image Coding (HEIC) format. Introduced by Apple in 2017 this file extension is for high quality images in smaller file sizes. While originally for Apple devices HEIC files are now on other platforms too.
HEIC files use the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard. This compresses images better than traditional formats like JPEG. For example a HEIC photo can be half the size of a JPEG of the same quality.
Compatibility is a big factor. While Apple devices running iOS 11 or later and macOS High Sierra support HEIC files you may encounter compatibility issues with older devices or other operating systems. To fix this many devices automatically convert HEIC files to JPEG during transfers or when sharing across platforms.
Another feature of HEIC files is they can store multiple images. This is good for live photos, burst shots and sequences. HEIC files also support 16-bit color vs 8-bit color in JPEGs for better image quality.
To view or edit .HEIC files, you can use various programs across different platforms:
| Windows | MacOS | iOS | Android | Web | Chrome OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| File Viewer Plus (available from Microsoft Store) | Apple Preview (included with the OS) | Apple Photos (included with the OS) | File Viewer for Android (available from Google Play Store) | Dropbox | HEIC Image Viewer Decoder |
| Adobe Photoshop 2023 | Apple Photos (included with the OS) | iMazing HEIC Converter | Google Photos | Google Drive | Google Photos |
| Adobe Photoshop Elements | Adobe Photoshop 2023 | Adobe Premiere Rush | Google Photos | ||
| Adobe Premiere Rush | Adobe Photoshop Elements | Dropbox | |||
| Microsoft Photos (requires HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions packages, which can be installed from the Microsoft Store) | Gimp | ||||
| XnViewMP | Adobe Premiere Rush | ||||
| Gimp | |||||
| TunesBro HEIC Converter |
These programs allow you to open, view, and sometimes edit .HEIC files. If you're using a platform or device that doesn't natively support .HEIC files, you might need to install additional software or extensions, like the HEIF Image Extensions for Windows, to handle these files.
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Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .HEIC file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.
