Understanding the HEIC File Format

What is HEIC and its advantages?

The High-Efficiency Image File Format (HEIC) is a new image container format developed by the Moving Group Experts of International Organization for Standardization (MPEG). This format is an evolution from the old image formats like JPEG, with the added advantage of quality preservation and smaller file size. The advent of this technology has had a significant impact on image handling, especially for photographers and graphic designers. In these sectors, file size and image quality are of great importance; hence, the increased use of the HEIC format.

Difference between HEIC and other image formats

Compared to JPEG and other traditional image formats, HEIC offers lossless compression. This implies that images in this format can retain a high-quality view while still taking up less storage space. JPEG images can lose their quality when compressed, limiting their functional scope. Furthermore, unlike HEIC, other formats do not support the storage of multiple images in one file, which is a key consideration for the development of image libraries.

The reasons for using the HEIC file format

In addition to high-quality image preservation and smaller size, HEIC format also supports the storage of 16-bit color images. This surpasses the 8-bit color limit most prevalent in previous formats, such as JPEG. Moreover, HEIC files can store image sequences, text, and audio, providing more flexibility for use in various industries including broadcasting and advertising.

How to Open HEIC Files on Different Platforms

Opening HEIC files on Windows

Opening HEIC files on Windows requires an additional codec due to the system's lack of native support for the format. Users need to download and install a HEIC codec such as 'HEIF Image Extensions' from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, one can view HEIC images directly from the Photos app. Alternatively, users can convert the files to a supported format such as JPEG using an online converter.

Opening HEIC files on macOS/iOS

For Mac users, the process is relatively simple. macOS High Sierra and later versions, as well as iOS 11 and above, come with built-in HEIC support. Therefore, users can open these files directly using the Photos app. For those using older versions of the software, converting the image to a JPEG or PNG file may be needed to view the image.

Opening HEIC files on Android

For Android users, native support for HEIC files is only available on Android 9.0 (Pie) and later versions. For devices that do not support the format, users can utilize third-party apps like Luma or Photo Converter to open and view their HEIC images.

Converting HEIC Files to Accessible Formats

Using Desktop Software

There are several software options available for converting HEIC files to more accessible formats. For instance, apps like iMazing and Aconvert work across different platform that can convert batch HEIC files to JPEG or PNG formats. This option is desirable when dealing with multiple files, as it saves time and preserves the image quality.

Online Conversion Tools

Online tools like HEICtoJPEG offer a quick and easy way to convert files without downloading any software. Such platforms only require users to upload their HEIC files, select their prefered format (usually JPEG or PNG), and then download the converted files. However, users should be cautious about security when using online converters as they often require file uploads.

Using Mobile Apps

Mobile applications also offer an easy and on-the-go way of converting HEIC files. Apps like Luma or HEIC Converter are available in store for both iOS and Android users and offer batch conversion and quality preservation. The user just needs to select the HEIC images, choose the desired quality, and convert.