Updated: March 01, 2025

.HEIC File Extension

There is only one filetype that uses .HEIC file extension and it is High-Efficiency Image Container.

High-Efficiency Image Container

File category:	Raster Image Files
Developer:	Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)
Open with:	Google Drive (+13 more)
Platforms:	Windows, macOS, In-browser (Online), Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, iPadOS

An HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) file is an image file saved in the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF). It can store one or more images in a smaller size while maintaining high image quality. HEIC is the standard format for photos taken on Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. Apple introduced the HEIC format in 2017 with the release of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. Since then, it has been the default format for photos on Apple devices. Other platforms, like Android (from version 9) and Windows (from Windows 10 version 1803), also support HEIC files.

HEIC files are mainly used to store photos taken by iOS devices. They can hold a single image or a sequence of images (such as bursts or animations) along with metadata like the time, location, and camera settings. When you share HEIC photos with non-Apple devices or platforms, they are often converted to the more common JPEG format for compatibility.

How to Open .HEIC as High-Efficiency Image Container

You can open HEIC files using various built-in and third-party applications:

Apple devices (iOS, macOS): Open HEIC images with Apple Photos or Preview.
Windows: In Windows 11 (version 22H2 and later), you can open HEIC files directly with Microsoft Photos. For earlier versions, install the "HEIF Image Extensions" and "HEVC Video Extensions" from the Microsoft Store.
Android and Chrome OS: Open HEIC images using Google Photos.
Linux: Use image viewers like GIMP or convert them using third-party tools.

How to Convert an HEIC File

If you need to convert HEIC files to other formats like JPEG or PNG, you can use these methods:

On macOS: Open the image in Preview and select "File" > "Export..." to choose another format.
On Windows: Use the "Save As" option in Microsoft Photos after opening the file.

Many online converters and applications (such as GIMP, XnViewMP, and cloud storage services like Dropbox) allow you to convert HEIC files to more common formats.

To prevent your iOS device from saving images as HEIC, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose Most Compatible to save photos as JPEG instead.