Free HEIC to GIF converter online
Need a GIF instead of a HEIC? This free converter turns HEIC files into GIF images right in your browser. Add as many files as you like, adjust the settings and download the results individually or together as a ZIP.
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.
GIF is one of the oldest image formats still in use. It is limited to 256 colours, so photos look grainy, and transparency is all-or-nothing. It survives because it supports animation everywhere. When you convert a GIF to a still format, FileStripe uses the first frame.
About HEIC and GIF files
New to these formats? These pages explain what each one is for and how to open it on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android.
Why convert HEIC to GIF?
- GIF is supported by every browser, email client, forum and chat app, including old software that rejects newer formats.
- HEIC files are often rejected or can't be opened by Windows PCs, many Android phones, websites and most upload forms; GIF avoids that problem.
How to convert HEIC to GIF
- Click the upload box or drag and drop your HEIC files (you can select several at once).
- Conversion to GIF starts automatically. Change the options if you like.
- Download each GIF file or click 'Download all' for a ZIP.
Features
- Batch conversionConvert hundreds of HEIC files at once.
- No uploadFiles never leave your device, so it is fast and private.
- Strips metadataThe GIF files contain no EXIF or GPS data.
- Any deviceWorks on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Chromebook.
HEIC vs GIF: what's the difference?
| Feature | HEIC | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | High Efficiency Image Container (HEIF) | Graphics Interchange Format |
| Released | 2015 | 1987 |
| Compression | Lossy (HEVC) | Lossless (256 colours max) |
| Transparency | Yes | 1-bit (on/off) |
| Animation | Yes (sequences) | Yes |
| Typical file size | Very small | Medium |
| Best for | storing photos on iPhone and iPad efficiently | simple animations and reaction images |
| Compatibility | Apple devices; poor support on Windows, Android, the web and upload forms | Universal |
| File extensions | .heic, .heif | .gif |
| MIME type | image/heic | image/gif |
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert HEIC to GIF?
Open this page, add your HEIC files, and FileStripe converts them to GIF in your browser. Then download the files one by one or as a ZIP. It takes a few seconds and you don't need to install anything.
Will converting HEIC to GIF reduce quality?
GIF is limited to 256 colours, so photos can look slightly grainy; logos, icons and simple graphics look the same. FileStripe builds an optimised 256-colour palette for each HEIC.
Can I convert multiple HEIC files to GIF at once?
Yes. Select or drop as many HEIC files as you like; there is no limit on the number or size of files.
Why can't I open HEIC files on Windows?
Windows needs the paid HEVC Video Extensions to display HEIC photos. Converting to JPG avoids that and makes the photos open everywhere.
How do I stop my iPhone taking HEIC photos?
Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose 'Most Compatible'. New photos will be saved as JPG.
Is the HEIC to GIF free?
Yes. The HEIC to GIF is completely free with no sign-up, no watermarks, no daily limits and no premium tier.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FileStripe processes your files locally in your web browser using JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded, so the HEIC to GIF is safe for private photos and confidential documents and even works offline once the page has loaded.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. The HEIC to GIF works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Samsung Internet on phones, tablets and computers. On a phone you can pick files from your photo library or files app and share the result straight to another app.
Last updated · Processing happens locally in your browser.