Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.HEIF
File Type
High Efficiency Image File Format
Category
Image
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .heif file format
The High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) is a modern image container format that leverages advanced compression techniques to store images with significantly smaller file sizes compared to older formats like JPEG, while maintaining or even improving image quality. It's based on the HEVC (High E…
File extension
.HEIF
File type
High Efficiency Image File Format
Category
Image
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .heif file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .heif.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .heif file?
File extension details and usage information
The High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) is a modern image container format that leverages advanced compression techniques to store images with significantly smaller file sizes compared to older formats like JPEG, while maintaining or even improving image quality. It's based on the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video compression standard. HEIF supports a variety of image types, including single images, image sequences (animations), and image collections. It can also store metadata, such as EXIF data, depth maps, and alpha channels, making it a versatile format for various imaging applications. HEIF's efficient compression makes it ideal for storing large image libraries on devices with limited storage space and for transmitting images over networks with limited bandwidth. The format is gaining popularity due to its superior compression and support for advanced features, and is being adopted by major operating systems and camera manufacturers. HEIF files often use the .heic extension when using HEVC compression, but can also use other codecs. The .heif extension is generally used when other codecs are employed.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .heif files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .heif files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .heif 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 .heif file.
Why can't I open a .heif file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .heif 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 .heif files
To open a .heif file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Photos
- CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
- IrfanView (with plugins)
- XnView MP
- Preview
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 .heif 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.