HEIC Files: What They are and How to Make Use of Them
Apple distinguishes itself in many ways, including its default file for your iPhone photos. When you click a picture on an iPhone, iOS saves it as a High-Efficiency Image Container (HEIC) file. HEIC files take less storage space but also preserve high picture quality.
However, you may need to trade it off with compatibility as HEIC files can be hard to work on non-iOS devices. The good news is you can always convert your HEIC datas to JPEG, TIFF, PDF, or PNG for easier use. Learn more about these types of files and how to make use of them.
What are HEIC files?
Apple products use HEIC files to store photos. It can store high-quality images but requires half the space as JPG file photos. The HEIC image file format is mainly used for photoshoots, animations, and action shots of moving objects. It is designed to contain essential metadata on the images to provide in-depth editing. It can store up to 16-but colors and support various color gamut systems, transfer characteristics, color primaries, and conversion matrices.
What is the difference between HEIF and HEIC?
HEIC stands for High-Efficiency Image Container, while HEIF means High-Efficiency Image File. A HEIC can contain a sequence of HEIF images along with non-photogenic metadata.
How to open a HEIC file?
A HEIC file can be easily opened or modified with the Apple Photos app on iOS. However, to open this type of file in Windows, you need to download and install a HEIC or HEVC extension. A HEIC extension will help you to view your HEIC images in Windows. Once you have installed the HEIC extension, you can open any HEIC data with the Windows Photos app.
History of HEIC file type
Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) invented the HEIC file in 2015. Apple had previously adopted HEVC/H.265 video formats for iTunes in 2008. It became known as Apple photos when Apple adopted HEIF technologies to store its images in 2017. With a shift to HEIC for its images, Apple standardized its file formatting ecosystem. HEIC files have ISO standard MPEG-H Part 12 (ISO/IEC 23008-12). This format helps standardize metadata storage and link it to images.
Why are iPhone photos in HEIC format?
Apple chose the HEIC format for better picture quality for both images and videos. It takes up half the space of a JPG image, with even better image quality. HEIC also supports 16-bit color for more in-depth editing. This type of file can also save edits so that you can revert to the original image.
Which is better, HEIC or JPG?
The HEIC file format is better than JPG in terms of storage and image quality. The reason for this is that HEIC applies advanced compression algorithms. HEIC images using the HEVC encoding save up to 40% in file size compared to JPGs with the same quality. However, it is not always easy to transfer HEIC files to a Windows or Android operating system.
HEIC file Compatibility
This type of file is only compatible with the iPad or iPhone. It is an advanced image storing format expected to become popular with time. However, you can easily convert the file without losing quality or metadata, before transferring them to a non-iOS system.
Can you Open a HEIC file on a PC?
You won’t be able to find the HEIC files in Windows because it is non-compatible with the HEIC encoding. You cannot open a HEIC file using standard Windows programs. You may download an external file opener software to view the photos.
You can also convert your HEIC data on your iPhone/iPad before transferring them to your PC. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools to convert this type of file into another format to open it on a Windows PC.
How do I convert a HEIC file to JPG and other formats?
On Windows or Ubuntu you can convert a HEIC file to JPG, PNG or PDF with a file converter. Such file converters are available online and for download. If you are using a Mac, you can edit the file through the Preview app. Simply open the file in Preview, and select the Export As option. You will get the option to convert your file to PDF, PNG, or JPG format.
Will I lose image quality by converting from HEIC to JPG?
No, you will not lose image quality by converting this type of file to JPG format. However, the JPG output will be bigger than the HEIC. You may lose some metadata which may affect editing.
Can I take a JPG image with an iPhone/iPad?
You can change your iPhone/iPad camera settings to automatically produce JPG images. Open Settings and select Camera. Next, tap on Format and change it to Most Compatible (JPG) from High Efficiency (HEIC). All new photos will now be taken in JPG format. The iPad/iPhone automatically converts all HEIC files to JPG while uploading any image to Instagram or Facebook.
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