Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.HEIC
File Type
High Efficiency Image Container
Category
Image
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .heic file format
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image file format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It's a container format that typically holds images encoded using HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265. This encoding allows for significantly smaller file…
File extension
.HEIC
File type
High Efficiency Image Container
Category
Image
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .heic file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .heic.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .heic file?
File extension details and usage information
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image file format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It's a container format that typically holds images encoded using HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265. This encoding allows for significantly smaller file sizes compared to JPEG, often achieving similar image quality with roughly half the storage space. HEIC can also store image sequences, audio, and metadata, making it a versatile format. Apple adopted HEIC as the default image format for iPhones and iPads starting with iOS 11, contributing to its widespread use. While HEIC offers superior compression, compatibility issues can arise as not all operating systems and software natively support it. Converting HEIC files to more universally supported formats like JPEG or PNG is often necessary for sharing or editing on different platforms. The format's ability to store multiple images in a single file makes it suitable for Live Photos and burst photos, where a short sequence of images is captured.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .heic files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .heic files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .heic file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .heic file.
Why can't I open a .heic file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .heic format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .heic files
To open a .heic file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Photos (with HEIF Image Extensions)
- CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
- IrfanView (with plugins)
- XnView MP
- Adobe Photoshop (with plugins)
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .heic file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.