What is a .HEIC file?

Complete guide to High Efficiency Image Container (HEIC) format

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File Format Specifications

CategoryRaster Image
DeveloperMPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)
MIME Typeimage/heic
PopularityHigh

About HEIC Files

HEIC is a file format used for storing images and image sequences. It was adopted by Apple in 2017 as the default image format for iOS devices. It offers better compression than JPEG without losing quality.

Technical Details

HEIC uses the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) standard to compress images. It supports 16-bit color, transparency (alpha channel), and can store multiple images in a single file (like Live Photos).

How to open HEIC files

1

Use Online File Opener

Upload your .heic file to our free online viewer. No installation required.

2

Download Compatible Software

Native support on macOS and iOS. Windows users may need to install "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store. Android 9+ supports it natively.

3

Check File Integrity

Ensure the file is not corrupted if standard viewers fail to open it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert .heic files?

Yes, common conversions include: JPG, PNG, PDF, WEBP.

Is this format safe?

Generally yes, but always scan files from unknown sources for malware.