.HEIC File Extension
High Efficiency Image Format
| Developer | Moving Picture Experts Group |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Raster Image Files |
| Format | .HEIC |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an HEIC file?
The .HEIC file extension represents the High Efficiency Image Format, designed to provide high-quality images with smaller file sizes compared to traditional formats like JPEG.
This format is particularly favored for its ability to maintain image quality while reducing storage space, making it ideal for mobile devices and platforms where storage efficiency is crucial.
More Information.
Introduced in 2017, .HEIC aimed to address the limitations of JPEG, such as larger file sizes and potential loss of quality during compression.
It was envisioned to meet the growing demand for higher resolution images on devices with limited storage capacity, such as smartphones and tablets. Apple’s adoption in iOS devices significantly propelled its use across the digital ecosystem.
Origin Of This File.
The .HEIC format was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) as part of the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, also known as H.265.
It was specifically crafted to replace the older JPEG format by offering superior compression efficiency without compromising image quality.
The format gained prominence due to its adoption by Apple, starting with iOS 11, and later by other platforms seeking better compression techniques.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.HEIC files utilize a container format based on the High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF), which can store multiple images (including thumbnails and depth maps) and even image sequences in a single file.
This structure supports advanced features like transparency, image editing metadata, and improved image quality through efficient encoding methods.
Technically, .HEIC employs HEVC/H.265 encoding for image compression, allowing it to achieve up to 50% smaller file sizes compared to JPEG at similar image quality levels.
It supports both lossy and lossless compression methods, offering flexibility depending on the application’s requirements.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .HEIC files to more widely supported formats like JPEG or PNG is necessary in some cases. Several methods are available:
- Using Online Converters: Various websites offer online tools to convert .HEIC files to JPEG or PNG. Users upload their .HEIC files and download the converted format.
- Using Image Editing Software: Applications like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or specialized converters like iMazing can handle .HEIC files and convert them to other formats.
- Built-in OS Tools: Some operating systems, like macOS and Windows (with recent updates), provide built-in support or tools to convert .HEIC files to other formats.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Better Compression Efficiency: .HEIC files can significantly reduce file sizes while maintaining high image quality, making them ideal for storing large collections of images.
- Support for Advanced Features: It supports features like transparency, depth maps, and multi-image sequences, which are crucial for modern image processing applications.
- Improved Image Quality: Due to efficient encoding techniques, .HEIC files can preserve finer details and colors better than traditional formats.
Disadvantages:
- Compatibility Issues: Despite its advantages, .HEIC’s widespread adoption has been hindered by compatibility issues with older operating systems and software applications.
- Complexity in Implementation: Implementing support for .HEIC requires licensing HEVC codecs, which can be a barrier for some developers and platforms.
- Limited Software Support: Not all image editing software or web browsers natively support .HEIC, which can inconvenience users who need to work with these files.
How to Open HEIC?
Open In Windows
- Windows 10 and later versions can natively view .HEIC files using the Photos app. Third-party software like CopyTrans HEIC for Windows extends support to earlier versions.
Open In Linux
- iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 and later automatically capture photos in .HEIC format. They can be viewed in the Photos app and transferred to other devices or platforms.
Open In MAC
- macOS High Sierra and later include native support for .HEIC files. They can be opened in the Preview app or imported into Photos.
Open In Android
- While Android devices may not natively support .HEIC, several third-party apps on Google Play Store offer viewing and conversion capabilities.
