┌─ FILE ANALYSIS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┐
│ DEVELOPER : Moving Picture Experts Group
│ CATEGORY : Image
│ MIME TYPE : image/heic
│ MAGIC BYTES : 0000001866747970
└ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┘
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a file format based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) standard. It uses the HEVC (H.265) codec for compression, achieving roughly 50% smaller file sizes than JPEG at the same visual quality.
How to open HEIC files
- Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) — Native support since iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra
- Windows 10/11 — Install “HEIF Image Extensions” from Microsoft Store
- GIMP (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free, with plugin
- Adobe Photoshop (Windows, macOS) — Native support since CC 2020
Technical specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Compression | HEVC (H.265) |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit |
| Color Spaces | sRGB, Display P3, Rec. 2020 |
| Alpha Channel | Supported |
| Animation | Supported (HEICS) |
| Multi-image | Supported (bursts, live photos) |
Why convert HEIC?
While HEIC offers superior compression, compatibility remains limited. Many web platforms, email clients, and older software don’t support HEIC. Converting to JPEG or PNG ensures universal compatibility.