HEIC Image (.HEIC)
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a container format based on the HEIF standard that stores images compressed with the HEVC (H.265) codec. It is the default photo format on Apple devices running iOS 11 and later, offering roughly 50% file size reduction compared to JPEG at similar quality. HEIC supports advanced features including image sequences, depth maps, and auxiliary data.
Advantages of HEIC Image
What the HEIC format does well, and why you might choose it.
- Approximately 50% smaller file sizes compared to JPEG at equivalent quality
- Supports 16-bit color depth, alpha transparency, and depth maps
- Can store multiple images, live photos, and burst sequences in a single file
Limitations of HEIC Image
What the HEICformat doesn't do well, and when to choose another format.
- Limited support on Windows and Android without additional codecs
- HEVC codec is subject to patent licensing requirements
- Not supported by most web browsers for direct display
What HEIC files are used for
- Default photo format on iPhones and iPads
- Space-efficient photo storage on Apple devices
- Live Photos and burst sequences on iOS
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Frequently asked questions about HEIC
What is a .HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a container format based on the HEIF standard that stores images compressed with the HEVC (H.265) codec. It is the default photo format on Apple devices running iOS 11 and later, offering roughly 50% file size reduction compared to JPEG at similar quality. HEIC supports advanced features including image sequences, depth maps, and auxiliary data.
What is the MIME type of HEIC?
The official MIME type for HEIC files is image/heic. This is the value web servers and applications use to identify the format when transferring files.
What category does HEIC belong to?
HEIC is a Image Converter format. Files in this category share common conversion paths and use cases.
How do I open a .HEIC file?
HEIC files are typically opened by software that natively supports the HEIC Imageformat. If you don't have a compatible application, the most reliable approach is to convert the file to a more universal format using the converters listed above. Most HEIC Image files convert to widely-supported alternatives in seconds.
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