What is HEIC Format? Complete Guide for iPhone Users

HEIC and HEIF explained

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a file extension commonly used for images stored in the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) format. On modern iPhones, photos are saved as .heic by default.

HEIF is a container format that typically uses HEVC (H.265) compression for images. Compared to JPEG (which uses older DCT-based compression), HEVC is more efficient, often producing smaller files at similar or better visual quality.

• Default on many iPhones since iOS 11
• Smaller files than JPEG at comparable quality
• May require add-ons on older Windows systems

HEIC vs HEIF vs HEVC: what’s the difference?

HEIF is the standardized container. HEIC is a common file extension used by Apple for HEIF images encoded with HEVC. HEVC (H.265) is the compression codec used to encode the image data inside the container.

You can think of HEIF as the “box,” and HEVC as the “packing method” that makes everything compact. The .heic extension usually implies HEIF + HEVC on Apple devices.

Benefits of HEIC for photographers

The main advantage is storage efficiency with strong image quality. On a 128 GB device, saving 30–50% per photo adds up quickly without sacrificing everyday visual fidelity.

HEIF can also store multiple images, bursts, and depth maps in one file, enabling features like Live Photos and Portrait Mode on iPhone to be saved more efficiently.

• Space savings on device and in iCloud backups
• Support for modern imaging features (depth, sequences)
• Good base for printing and sharing when converted properly

Common drawbacks and compatibility

The tradeoff is compatibility. Many older apps and some Windows systems do not natively open HEIC. Microsoft provides HEIF and HEVC extensions for Windows that enable viewing in Photos and File Explorer.

When you need the broadest compatibility (clients, schools, mixed-device families), exporting to a PDF or JPEG is still the safest choice.

• Windows may need the HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions
• Some web services still expect JPEG uploads
• Email chains can compress or strip metadata unpredictably

How to open HEIC on Windows and the web

On Windows 10/11, install Microsoft’s HEIF Image Extensions. For videos and some advanced features, the HEVC Video Extensions may also be required. Many browsers can display HEIC after OS-level support is added.

If you cannot install extensions or you are sharing with someone who cannot, convert the images to a universal format (PDF is ideal for multi-page sharing and printing).

Changing iPhone settings to Most Compatible

If you prefer to capture photos as JPEG/H.264, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select “Most Compatible.” New photos will use JPEG going forward. Existing HEIC photos remain HEIC until converted.

Converting HEIC to shareable formats

For universal sharing and printing, convert HEIC to a PDF. A single PDF keeps pages in order, looks the same on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac, and is easy to email or upload.

• Use HassleFreePDF to convert HEIC/HEIF directly to PDF
• Preserve quality while optimizing size for email and web
• Avoid the extra step of converting to JPEG first

When to keep HEIC, when to convert

Keep HEIC for your personal library to save space. Convert to PDF when sharing with others or assembling a multi-image document that must render consistently everywhere.