heictools What Is an HEIC File?
An HEIC file is an image format used by Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads to store photos more efficiently than traditional formats like JPG. HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container and is based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) standard. In simple terms, HEIC is a new image format used by iPhones to save photos. It maintains higher image quality while taking up less storage space than JPG.
Origins and Development
HEIC is the file extension for the **HEIF** (High Efficiency Image File Format) standard. It was developed by the **MPEG** (Moving Picture Experts Group) — the same team behind the AAC audio format used in iTunes.
While the standard was finalized in 2015, it gained mainstream attention in **2017** when Apple adopted it as the default image format for iOS 11. This shift replaced the aging JPEG format on iPhones, allowing users to save high-quality photos with half the file size.
Key Features of HEIC
- Superior Compression: HEIC images are typically 50% smaller than JPEGs of similar quality.
- 16-bit Color: Supports significantly deeper color ranges than JPEG's 8-bit, reducing banding in skies and gradients.
- Advanced Capabilities: Supports transparency (like PNG) and image sequences (like Live Photos or GIFs) in a single file.
- Non-Destructive Editing: Edits like cropping and rotating can be saved without altering the original image data.
HEIC vs JPG: Full Format Comparison
The table below comprehensively compares HEIC with JPG, PNG, and WebP formats, highlighting differences in file size, image quality, compatibility, and best use cases, helping you understand the core distinctions at a glance.
| Format | File Size | Image Quality | Transparency | Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEIC | Small (Best) | High (16-bit) | Yes | Limited | Apple ecosystem, saving storage, original quality |
| JPG | Medium | Medium (8-bit) | No | Universal | Sharing, social media, general compatibility |
| PNG | Large | Lossless | Yes | High | Transparent backgrounds, text/graphics, pixel-perfect editing |
| WebP | Very Small | High | Yes | High (Web) | Website speed, modern web apps |
Why Do We Need to Convert HEIC Files?
Common Inconveniences with HEIC
- ✕Windows Compatibility: Native Windows Photos app often requires paid extensions to open HEIC files.
- ✕Web Uploads: Many websites, government forms, and online portals only accept JPG or PDF.
- ✕Sharing: Android users or people on older devices might not be able to view HEIC photos sent to them.
- ✕Editing Software: Some older photo editors do not support the HEIC format.