What Is a HEIC File?

Created on 13 December, 2022 | Image | 306 views | 9 minutes read

Are you a photographer or creative who's been hearing about the new HEIC format?Here you have the answer.

Are you a photographer or creative who's been hearing about the new HEIC format? Or maybe you’ve received a file in this format and want to know what it is? This blog post will explain all you need to know about the HEIC format and why it's so useful.

1.-Introduction to HEIC Format

HEIC is an acronym for High-Efficiency Image Coding, which is a new image format that was introduced by Apple in 2017. This new file format is designed to offer better compression and higher quality images than the popular JPEG format. It uses a variant of the High-Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) container, allowing users to store more data in a smaller size while still preserving image quality. HEIC files are usually created on Apple devices such as iPads and iPhones, and it has been made the default image codec when using HEIF. The efficiency of this file format allows users to save storage space on Macs without compromising on the quality of their images. Furthermore, HEIC can support a higher compression rate than other popular formats like JPEG or PNG, making it an ideal choice for people who need to store large amounts of photos on their devices.

2.-The Benefits of Using a HEIC File

HEIC is a modern and efficient image file format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) to enable capturing, storing, and sharing digital images with reduced file size. HEIC offers many advantages over traditional image formats like JPG or PNG.

One of the biggest advantages of HEIC is its ability to compress image size without sacrificing quality. When compared to JPG, HEIC files are twice the quality while taking up much less space. This makes it a great choice for users who are looking to store high-quality images while conserving storage space. HEIC can also store multiple types of media such as single images, sequences, and video clips within one file.

HEIC also has a smaller file size than JPG which makes it easier to share online and via email. With Apple making HEIC the new default photo format for iPhone users with iOS 11, it’s easier than ever to capture, store, and share photos in this efficient format.

You can capture higher quality images at smaller sizes without sacrificing quality or storage space. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to take advantage of modern technology when saving digital photos.

3.-Your Workflow and the HEIC Format

HEIC files use a modern compression method called High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), which allows for smaller file sizes while retaining higher image quality than other formats, such as JPEG or JPG. This makes it ideal for storing photos on mobile devices, such as iPhones and iPads.

For photographers, using the HEIC format in their workflow can offer a number of advantages. Firstly, images captured in the HEIC format can capture a wide array of colors due to its ability to store more color data per pixel than other formats. This means that photographers don’t have to worry about losing out on color accuracy when editing their work. Additionally, modifying photographs taken with the HEIC format is easier because of its smaller file sizes; this means that photographers can edit their images without experiencing slowdowns due to larger file sizes.

If you’re looking to use the HEIC format in your photography workflow, the first step is to ensure that your device supports it - many newer smartphones do so automatically. If you’d like to switch from another file format to HEIC, you can use Apple’s native apps or one-click tools on Macs or PCs alike. Finally, if you need to convert a photo taken with an iPhone back into another file type

The High Efficiency Image Container (HEIC) and High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) are new file formats that have become increasingly popular for storing images. HEIC/HEIF offers several advantages over older image formats such as JPEG, PNG, and GIF.

The main advantage of the HEIC format is its ability to compress image size without sacrificing quality. Using advanced features, a HEIC file can capture an image twice the quality of a JPEG, while still taking up significantly less storage space. This is especially beneficial for those with limited storage on their Apple devices. Furthermore, the format can also enhance the quality of photos with transparency and is better at capturing image sequences than other formats.

Another benefit of HEIF is its use of the H.265 compression codec (also known as HEVC). This technology allows for much higher levels of compression than traditional image formats, resulting in significantly smaller file sizes. This makes it possible to store more images on your device without running out of space quickly.

In conclusion, the HEIC/HEIF file formats offer numerous advantages when compared to older image formats such as JPEG and PNG. The ability to capture higher quality images while taking up less storage space makes it ideal for those looking for a more efficient way to store their digital photos and videos.

4.-Which Devices Support HEIC?

Not all devices support this new file format, however. Since its introduction, HEIF files have been supported by both iOS (iOS 11 and later) and macOS High Sierra (macOS 10.13 and later). However, other operating systems such as Windows or Android do not natively support HEIF files yet.

5.-What is the Difference Between JPEG and HEIF Files?

The JPEG and HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) file formats are both commonly used image file types, however they have some distinct differences. A JPEG file is the most common image format and is used for compressed images. The compression uses lossy algorithms to reduce the size of the file, which can often result in a lower quality image. On the other hand, a HEIF file is a newer type of image format that uses a much more advanced compression method than JPEG. This type of compression results in higher quality images, as well as smaller file sizes compared to JPEG files.

When it comes to features, HEIF offers several advantages over JPEG. For one, it supports 16-bit color compared to 8-bit color for JPEG files, meaning that HEIF can capture more details from an image. Additionally, HEIF also supports transparency and animation within an image file, whereas those features are not available with JPEG files.

In terms of storage space, HEIF files take up less space than their equivalent JPEG files because they require less data to store the same information. An HEIF file can be up to 25% smaller than its corresponding JPG counterpart while maintaining or even improving upon the same level of quality.

Overall, both formats have their pros and cons depending on what you need them for; however when it comes to quality vs size ratio then HEIF certainly has an edge over its predecessor due to its advanced compression algorithms and support for additional features

6.-Is it Worth Converting my Images to HEIF or JPEG 2000?

Converting images to the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) or JPEG 2000 file format can be beneficial for those looking to improve image quality while reducing storage space. HEIF, also known as HEIC, is a relatively new file format that offers superior compression and quality compared to the more commonly used JPEG format. It can reduce storage space by up to 50% without sacrificing image quality. Additionally, HEIF files containing HEVC-encoded images also require less storage space than an equivalent quality JPEG file.

When it comes to choosing between HEIF and JPEG 2000, it really depends on what type of images you’re working with and what your needs are. For instance, if you’re dealing with high-resolution photos or videos with lots of detail, then HEIF might be the better choice due to its superior compression capabilities. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with smaller images such as icons or logos that don’t need a lot of detail then JPEG 2000 may be more suitable due to its ability to store image files in reduced space even without loss.

Ultimately, both formats offer great advantages over traditional file formats such as JPEG and PNG when it comes to compressing images while maintaining excellent image quality. So if you want to save storage space while still keeping your photos looking great, then converting your images to either HEIF or JPEG 2000 could be well worth considering.

7.-Can I Open a HEIC File on Older Operating Systems or Mobile Phones?

Yes, it is possible to open a HEIC file on older operating systems and mobile phones. However, the process may require special software or applications to do so. Users need to be aware that not all operating systems and devices support the HEIC file format.

For example, on Windows computers, earlier versions of Windows such as XP and Vista do not support the HEIC file format natively. To open HEIC files on these older operating systems, users will have to download and install a third-party application that can read and convert the files into a supported format such as JPEG or PNG.

Similarly, iOS devices prior to iOS 11 are unable to open HEIC files natively. To view them, users will need an app that supports HEIC files such as Apple's Preview App or File Viewer Plus.

Additionally, Android devices are not able to open HEIC files natively either. To do so users will also need an app that can convert the file into a compatible format such as JPEG or PNG. Some recommended apps for this purpose include iMazing Heic Converter for Android, Coolmuster HEIC Converter for Android and PDFelement Mobile for Android which can be downloaded from their respective store sites (Google Play Store/Apple App Store).

Overall, it is possible to open a HEIC file on older operating systems and mobile phones but may require additional steps in order to do so successfully.

8.-What Applications Support HEIC and HEVC?

They are supported by many applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Apple Photos, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Photos, VLC Media Player, QuickTime Player and iOS 11 or later. These formats offer superior compression rates compared to traditional JPG and MP4 files respectively, which means users can store more content without taking up too much space on their devices. Additionally, these formats are also known for their improved picture quality when compared to traditional formats. For these reasons, many applications have started to support HEIF and HEVC in order to provide greater flexibility and better image/video quality for their users.

9.-How do I convert heic into other formats?

In order to open HEIF images on these unsupported operating systems, you can use our free online web tools to convert the file into a more universal format like JPEG or PNG.Click on the links for the following conversions:

HEIC to PNG

HEIC to JPG

HEIC to GIF

10.-Conclusion

HEIC is a new image format developed by Apple that offers better compression than the traditional JPEG image format. It can reduce file size while maintaining the same quality, making it ideal for storing photos taken on mobile devices. HEIC files are smaller in size and take up less space, meaning users can save more photos without having to worry about filling up their storage capacity. Additionally, HEIC files are compatible with both iOS and Windows devices, making it easy to view and share photos across multiple platforms. Ultimately, HEIC is an efficient way to save large amounts of data while preserving image quality.