HEIC Image Format: Complete Guide on Mastering HEIC Files

HEIC image format is gaining traction these days. However, many people still get confused when seeing this file type since they are used to keeping pictures in JPG. If you have an iPhone or iPad, there’s a chance you’re already familiar with HEIC, as it’s the standard image format on Apple devices. Anyway, this guide aims to help you get the most out of the file type. So, what is a HEIC picture? How to open and convert such images? What are the benefits of HEIC, and what difficulties may you face dealing with the format? Let’s get into the matter.

What Is an HEIC File?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is an updated version of the HEIF format designed for storing high-quality images more efficiently. HEIC was developed in 2015 by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It grew in popularity in 2017 when Apple adopted it for macOS High Sierra and iOS 11. The format implements advanced compressive technology and includes the relevant metadata showing each image’s resolution, location, size, etc.

Files saved in this format have a .heic extension and function as JPEG. That is, you can open, edit, convert, and print images when needed. It’s a great option for a variety of professional and personal purposes, including storing large amounts of:

• Photos in high resolution 
• Images with the burst mode functionality
• Moving animations
• Live photos

Benefits of HEIC Image Format

HEIC image format has many benefits compared to other file formats, which makes it a worthwhile choice for both regular users and tech enthusiasts. So why use it?

• Small file size: a large photo collection can quickly consume all the storage space on your device – HEIC is designed to address this problem. Thanks to the advanced HEVC compression algorithm, such an image may take half the storage space of a regular JPG.
• High image quality: low-quality photos are often a painful issue, whether it comes to personal or commercial use. With that in mind, HEIC is a perfect solution for those willing to get enhanced tones and details in their photos. Despite its smaller size, the format encodes your images without sacrificing quality. HEIC also supports 16-bit color, making pictures look rich and more vibrant.
• Transparency: compared to JPG, HEIC supports transparency, so the format is suitable for layered photo editing and creative design projects. Since such images merge seamlessly with webpage backgrounds, they may also be used to craft logos, on-site elements, and other designer objects.

How to Open .heic Files

The following solutions work well on different operating systems. However, if you still fail to open HEIC on your device, consider converting images to JPG, PNG, or PDF. 

On Apple Devices

HEIC is the default image format on Apple devices, so you will have no problem opening it on Mac, iPhone, or iPad. You just need to right-click on the image and choose ‘Open with Preview’. It’s also possible to view HEIC pictures by importing them to the Photos app or uploading your files to Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud storage platforms.

On Windows

Windows users may find handling the HEIC image format more difficult, as a special file extension utility is needed. The tool is available only for Windows 10 or later. Here’s how to open .heic files: 

1. Check your Windows version and update it if needed.
2. Install the HEIF Image Extension from the Microsoft Store.
3. View .heic files directly in the Photos app.

On Android

Modern phones with Android 9 or later support HEIC natively, so you can view the images right in the gallery. If your device runs an older OS version, you will need to install a HEIC viewer from the Play Store or open pictures through your preferred cloud storage platform.

When & How to Convert HEIC Files

HEIC file type has a considerable drawback – many platforms have not yet provided its full support. That’s why users often encounter issues when trying to view and edit pictures in their original format. If you have the same problem, converting HEIC to PDF will save you all the hassle. Indeed, the Portable Document Format is compatible with any device and OS, while you can also easily edit such files online.

To keep the process quick and simple, HEIC to PDF using PDF Guru – a reputable online converter and editor for switching file formats without quality loss. The tool is packed with a wide range of features, and you can also use it to turn your images into JPG or PNG. Here’s how to convert HEIC through PDF Guru on any device:

1. Open a regular web browser installed on your device and go to PDF Guru.
2. Find the needed conversion tool (HEIC to PDF, HEIC to JPG, or HEIC to PNG).
3. Upload your image into the dedicated area.
4. Wait until PDF Guru converts the file (typically a few seconds).
5. Download the ready-made file on your device. 

Final Thoughts

HEIC is a smart and compact format, promising to become the future of image storage. Even though this file type is still not perfect, it’s a great step forward for anyone willing to embrace efficiency without losing quality. Now that you know how to manage and convert HEIC, your experience of working with images will be much more enjoyable and fulfilling.