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.heic

High Efficiency Image Container

Commonly known as HEIC

Standard format on modern Apple devices, highly efficient storage. developed by MPEG and released in 2015, it has become a standard for iPhone photography, Apple ecosystem.

Key Features

  • Half the size of JPG
  • 16-bit color
  • Live photo support

Limitations

  • Limited support on Windows/Android
  • Licensing issues

When to use HEIC?

The HEIC format is ideal for iPhone photography, Apple ecosystem. Its MIME type is image/heic.

How to open .heic files

  1. macOS: Use native Preview/Quick Look or import into professional apps that support HEIC.
  2. Windows: Open via Photos, Media Player, or dedicated editors by enabling the relevant codec pack.
  3. Browser: Drag the file into FileConvert to transform it into a universally supported alternative before sharing.

Popular Conversions

Convert HEIC to...

HEIC to JPG
HEIC to PNG
HEIC to WebP
HEIC to AVIF
HEIC to GIF
HEIC to BMP

Convert to HEIC

FAQs about HEIC

How do I open a .heic file?

You can open HEIC files with native tools on Mac, Windows, and Linux or convert them for free using FileConvert.

Is HEIC still relevant in 2025?

HEIC remains essential for iPhone photography thanks to its half the size of jpg benefit.

How do I convert HEIC into other formats?

Visit our HEIC conversion directory to switch between High Efficiency Image Container and 200+ alternatives without uploading files.