HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the file format Apple adopted as the default for photos taken on iPhone and iPad starting with iOS 11 in 2017. It's based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) standard and uses the HEVC (H.265) codec to compress image data.
The main reason Apple switched to HEIC is file size. A HEIC photo is typically around half the size of an equivalent JPEG, with the same or better perceived quality. On a device with 64 GB of storage and thousands of photos, that difference adds up quickly.
HEIC vs. JPEG: Key Differences
| HEIC | JPEG | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | ~50% smaller | Larger |
| Quality | Equal or better at same size | Good |
| Color depth | 16-bit | 8-bit |
| Transparency | Supported | Not supported |
| Compatibility | Apple devices, recent Windows | Universal |
| Browser support | Limited | Universal |
HEIC also supports features JPEG cannot: transparency (like PNG), HDR data, image sequences (like animated GIF but more efficient), and higher bit depth for more accurate color gradients.
Why HEIC Causes Problems
HEIC's main drawback is compatibility. Despite being an ISO standard, widespread support outside Apple's ecosystem is limited.
Windows added native HEIC support in Windows 10 (via a paid codec extension in the Microsoft Store), but many older Windows systems and applications still cannot open HEIC files without extra software.
Web browsers have inconsistent support. Safari supports HEIC natively. Chrome added support in version 105 for macOS. Firefox does not support HEIC at all. This makes HEIC unsuitable for images uploaded to websites or shared via email with unknown recipients.
Photo editing software varies widely. Photoshop supports HEIC, but many older or simpler tools do not.
When to Convert HEIC
You should convert HEIC to JPEG or PNG when:
- Uploading photos to a website or web app
- Sharing with someone on Windows or Android
- Using photo editing software that doesn't support HEIC
- Sending files that need to be universally openable
Convert to JPEG when file size matters and transparency isn't needed — for example, photos you're sharing by email or posting online.
Convert to PNG when you need lossless quality or transparency — for example, screenshots with UI elements.
Convert to WebP when you're optimizing images for the web and your target audience uses modern browsers. WebP matches HEIC's compression efficiency and has much broader browser support.
Preventing HEIC in New Photos
If you'd rather your iPhone save photos as JPEG from the start, go to Settings → Camera → Formats and select Most Compatible instead of High Efficiency. Your photos will be larger but immediately compatible everywhere.
Note that this only affects new photos — existing HEIC photos in your library won't change.
Converting HEIC Files
To convert HEIC photos to JPG or PNG directly in your browser (without installing any software or uploading your photos to a server), use the HEIC to JPG Converter. For converting to WebP or other formats, use the WebP Converter or Image Converter.