What is an HEIC file?

HEIC is the default photo format on iPhones and iPads since iOS 11. It stores photos at roughly half the size of JPG, but Windows, many Android phones, websites and online forms cannot open it. HEIC photos also contain detailed metadata including the GPS location, so converting with FileStripe gives you a compatible file without that hidden data.

Full name	High Efficiency Image Container (HEIF)
File extensions	.heic, .heif
MIME type	image/heic
Introduced	2015
Compression	Lossy (HEVC)
Transparency	Yes
Animation	Yes (sequences)
Typical file size	Very small
Best for	storing photos on iPhone and iPad efficiently
Compatibility	Apple devices; poor support on Windows, Android, the web and upload forms

How to open an HEIC file

Windows

Windows 10/11 need the HEIF and HEVC extensions from the Microsoft Store (HEVC costs a small fee). Without them, convert to JPG.

Mac

Opens natively in Preview and Photos on macOS High Sierra (10.13) and later.

iPhone and iPad

Native format of the iPhone camera: opens everywhere on iOS.

Android

Android 10 and later can view HEIC in most gallery apps, but uploads often fail.

If none of these work, convert the file to a more widely supported format with one of the tools below.

Convert HEIC files

HEICJPGHEIC to JPGHEIC images to JPG, in bulk.HEICPNGHEIC to PNGHEIC images to PNG, in bulk.HEICWEBPHEIC to WebPHEIC images to WebP, in bulk.HEICPDFHEIC to PDFPut HEIC images into a PDF.HEICGIFHEIC to GIFHEIC images to GIF, in bulk.HEICTIFFHEIC to TIFFHEIC images to TIFF, in bulk.HEICBMPHEIC to BMPHEIC images to BMP, in bulk.HEICICOHEIC to ICOHEIC images to ICO, in bulk.

Other tools for HEIC files

EXIF Data RemoverStrip GPS location, camera details and hidden metadata from JPG, PNG, WebP and HEIC…EXIF ViewerCheck what a photo reveals: GPS location on a map, camera, lens, date, serial numbers…Remove Location from PhotosDelete the GPS coordinates hidden in your photos before you post or send them.HEIC Metadata RemoverStrip EXIF, XMP, GPS and comments from HEIC files and get a clean, compatible JPG.Metadata Remover (All Files)One tool for photos, PDFs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MP3 files.Image CompressorShrink JPG, PNG, WebP and HEIC images by up to 90% with a live quality slider and…

HEIC metadata and privacy

iPhone HEIC photos contain detailed EXIF metadata, including precise GPS coordinates unless location access for the Camera is turned off.

Remove metadata from HEIC files · View the metadata

HEIC compared with other formats

HEIC vs JPG: HEIC saves space on your iPhone; JPG works everywhere else. Keep HEIC on the phone and convert to JPG when sharing.
HEIC vs PNG: HEIC is a compact photo format; PNG is a large lossless format best kept for graphics. Convert HEIC to PNG only when you need lossless editing.

Frequently asked questions

What is an HEIC file?

HEIC is the default photo format on iPhones and iPads since iOS 11. It stores photos at roughly half the size of JPG, but Windows, many Android phones, websites and online forms cannot open it.

How do I open an HEIC file on Windows?

Windows 10/11 need the HEIF and HEVC extensions from the Microsoft Store (HEVC costs a small fee). Without them, convert to JPG.

How do I open an HEIC file on a Mac?

Opens natively in Preview and Photos on macOS High Sierra (10.13) and later.

Is HEIC lossy or lossless?

HEIC uses lossy compression, so some detail is discarded each time the file is saved.

Does HEIC support transparency?

Yes: it supports transparent backgrounds.

How do I convert HEIC to another format?

Use one of the free converters on this page, for example HEIC to JPG, HEIC to PNG, HEIC to WebP. Files are converted in your browser without being uploaded.