Compatibility guide

What Is a HEIC File?

HEIC is the file format iPhones and iPads use to store photos efficiently. It keeps strong image quality at roughly half the size of JPG, but it is not supported everywhere.

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A HEIC file is a high-efficiency image saved with HEVC compression in the HEIF container. To use one on a device or form that cannot open it, convert the HEIC to JPG or PDF.

HEIC stores photos at high quality with smaller file sizes than JPG.
Apple devices open HEIC natively; Windows and many web forms may not.
Converting to JPG is the fastest way to make a HEIC file universally usable.

Convert HEIC to JPG

What to know

A HEIC file is a high-efficiency image saved with HEVC compression in the HEIF container. To use one on a device or form that cannot open it, convert the HEIC to JPG or PDF.

HEIC stores photos at high quality with smaller file sizes than JPG.
Apple devices open HEIC natively; Windows and many web forms may not.
Converting to JPG is the fastest way to make a HEIC file universally usable.

How HEIC, JPG, PNG, and WebP compare
Format	Compression	Typical size	Transparency	Compatibility	Best for
HEIC	Lossy (HEVC)	Smallest	Yes	Apple devices	Saving space on iPhone
JPG	Lossy	Small	No	Universal	Sharing photos anywhere
PNG	Lossless	Large	Yes	Universal	Graphics, screenshots, editing
WebP	Lossy or lossless	Small	Yes	Modern browsers	Web images

Questions answered

What does HEIC stand for?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container, Apple's implementation of the HEIF standard using HEVC compression.

Why does my iPhone save HEIC?

HEIC saves storage space while keeping quality. You can switch future photos to JPG with the Most Compatible camera setting.

How do I open a HEIC file?

Apple Photos and Preview open HEIC. On other systems, convert the file to JPG or PDF, which HEIC Photo can do in your browser.