Images

What is a HEIC file?

Updated Jul 2026

Definition

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the image format Apple uses for photos on iPhones and iPads. It stores about the same quality as a JPG in roughly half the space, using newer compression. The catch is that many non-Apple devices and websites still can't open it without converting it first.

HEICHigh Efficiency Image Container

Extension: .heic
Type: Images
Typically: Default iPhone photo format
Compression: Lossy
Transparency: None
Metadata: Carries EXIF

Why HEIC exists

Apple made HEIC the default photo format in 2017, starting with iOS 11. It's a container built on the HEIF standard, which uses the same family of compression as modern video, so it packs a lot of quality into a small file.

That efficiency is the whole point: your phone holds more photos, and the ones you take look just as good while taking up less space. The downside is compatibility. A HEIC file opens fine on recent Apple hardware, but send it to a Windows PC, an older phone, or many websites and it simply won't open.

That gap is why most people run into HEIC at all: they try to share or upload a photo, something rejects it, and they need a JPG or PNG instead.

The trade-offs

Strengths

Much smaller files than JPG at similar quality
Keeps richer color and detail than older formats
Can store extras like Live Photo motion and depth

Watch-outs

Not supported on many non-Apple devices and sites
Editing tools and older software often can't open it
Usually needs converting before you can share it widely

A note on privacy

A HEIC photo carries EXIF metadata, including the GPS location where it was taken. If you convert it through an online tool, that photo and its location history land on a stranger's server. Converting on your own computer keeps both the picture and where you took it on your machine.

Convert a HEIC file

Questions

How do I open a HEIC file?

On a recent Apple device it opens by default. On Windows or an older device you'll usually need to convert it to JPG or PNG first, or install a plugin that adds HEIC support.

Is HEIC better than JPG?

For storage, yes: HEIC keeps similar quality in about half the space. For compatibility, no: JPG opens almost everywhere, while HEIC still trips up many devices and websites.

Why do my iPhone photos save as HEIC?

Apple uses HEIC by default to save space. You can switch your camera to shoot JPG in Settings under Camera, then Formats, if you'd rather avoid converting later.

Can I convert HEIC without uploading it?

Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet converts HEIC on your own computer, so the photo and its location data never travel over the internet.

Morphjet opens and converts HEIC and 1,800+ other formats, all on your own computer. Launching this July.