Heic

The HEIC file format has become a standard for efficient image storage on modern devices, notably within the Apple ecosystem. Leveraging advanced compression techniques, HEIC offers smaller file sizes without compromising quality, making it ideal for high-resolution photos and burst images. This guide explores HEIC’s definition, origins, technical features, advantages, limitations, best practices, and frequently asked questions, helping users and professionals better understand and utilize this innovative image format.

Definition

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It is a file format for storing images and image sequences using advanced compression methods. HEIC is based on the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) standard, developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). The format is designed to provide superior image quality and more features than traditional formats such as JPEG, while also reducing file size.

Origin & History

HEIC was first introduced in 2015 as part of the HEIF standard, which itself is built upon the MPEG-H Part 12 (ISO/IEC 23008-12) specification. Apple popularized HEIC with the release of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra in 2017, using it as the default image format for photos taken on iPhones and iPads. The adoption by Apple motivated broader industry support and integration. The core technology behind HEIC is the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding, or H.265) codec, known for its high compression prowess.

Technical Characteristics

  • Compression: Utilizes HEVC to compress images more efficiently than JPEG.
  • File Extension: Commonly .heic or .heif.
  • Support for Multi-Images: Can store multiple photos, such as bursts or live photos, in a single file.
  • Metadata: Supports extensive metadata, including color profiles, depth maps, and image editing details.
  • Transparency: Allows for alpha channels, enabling transparent images.
  • Color Depth: Supports up to 16-bit color depth compared to JPEG's 8-bit.
  • Platform Support: Native on iOS, macOS, some versions of Windows 10/11, and selected Android devices.

Advantages

  • Superior Compression: Produces smaller files while maintaining image quality compared to JPEG.
  • High Image Quality: Supports higher bit depth and less compression artifacts.
  • Rich Features: Handles multiple images (bursts, live photos) within a single file.
  • Editable Metadata: Allows storing editing information and extra data alongside images.
  • Support for Advanced Effects: Enables depth maps, computer vision enhancements, and transparency.
  • Storage Efficiency: Saves device storage with minimal quality loss, especially for large photo libraries.

Limitations / Drawbacks

  • Limited Compatibility: Not universally supported across all platforms, older operating systems, or web browsers.
  • Conversion Needed: May require conversion to JPEG or PNG for sharing or editing on unsupported systems.
  • Editing Software Support: Not all graphics software can open or edit HEIC files natively.
  • Potential Licensing Issues: Use of HEVC may incur licensing or patent fees for software developers.

How to Open and Edit

  • On Apple Devices: macOS (High Sierra or later) and iOS (11 or later) support HEIC natively in Photos, Preview, and other system apps.
  • On Windows: Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) and Windows 11 support HEIC with the HEIF Image Extensions app from Microsoft Store.
  • On Android: Select newer devices (Android 9 Pie+) offer native support, depending on manufacturer.
  • Third-Party Apps:
    • Cross-platform: XnView, GIMP (with plugins), IrfanView
    • Apple platforms: Apple Photos, Preview, Pixelmator
    • Web-based: HEIC online viewers and converters
  • Editing: Most Apple and some Windows photo editors support HEIC editing. For unsupported editors, convert to JPEG, TIFF, or PNG first.

Conversion and Alternatives

  • To JPEG or PNG: Most devices will automatically convert HEIC when sharing or exporting images (e.g., via email).
  • Manual Conversion Tools: Use software such as:
    • iMazing HEIC Converter (Windows & Mac)
    • CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
    • Online services (heictojpg.com, cloudconvert.com)
  • Alternatives:
    • JPEG: Ubiquitous and compatible, but less efficient compression.
    • PNG: Best for web images with transparency; uncompressed or lossless.
    • WebP: Modern format by Google, efficient and widely supported for web use.
    • AVIF: Newer, high-efficiency format based on AV1 codec.

Common Use Cases

  • Mobile Photography: Default format for capturing photos on iPhones and many modern devices.
  • Photo Libraries: Efficient storage for large personal or professional photo collections.
  • Burst and Live Photo Capture: Storing multiple frames or moments in a single container.
  • Cloud Storage: Minimizing bandwidth and space usage in iCloud, Google Photos, and similar services.
  • Professional Photography: Retaining high image fidelity within compact files, especially for sharing between creatives on Apple platforms.

Best Practices & Tips

  • When sharing images with users on older devices or Windows systems, convert HEIC to JPEG for better compatibility.
  • Keep original HEIC files for archival and quality preservation; use converted copies for editing or sharing if needed.
  • On iPhones, you can set photos to be captured in “Most Compatible” (JPEG) or “High Efficiency” (HEIC) under camera settings.
  • Update your operating system and photo editing software to ensure optimal HEIC support.
  • For web use, consider converting to WebP or JPEG, as most browsers do not yet natively support HEIC.
  • Batch conversion tools save time if you need to process large HEIC photo libraries.

FAQ

  • What does HEIC stand for? High Efficiency Image Container.
  • Is HEIC better than JPEG? Yes, HEIC offers better compression and higher quality, but JPEG has broader compatibility.
  • How can I convert HEIC files? Use built-in export options on Apple devices or third-party converters on Windows/Android.
  • Why are iPhone photos in HEIC? Apple uses HEIC by default since iOS 11 to save space and maintain photo quality.
  • Can Windows open HEIC files? Recent versions of Windows 10/11 can open HEIC with the correct extension installed.
  • Is HEIC lossless? No, HEIC typically uses lossy compression, but can support lossless as well.
Extension.heic
CategoryImage file format
MIME Typeimage/heic
Key SoftwareApple Photos, Preview, Windows Photos (with extension), GIMP (with plugin), XnView
First Release2015 (HEIF), popularized 2017 (Apple devices)
Vorheriges Wort
Nächstes Wort
Dies ist der Block, der die Sammlungsliste enthält, die zum Generieren der Inhalte „Zurück“ und „Weiter“ verwendet wird. Sie können diesen Block ausblenden, wenn Sie möchten.

Bearbeiten Sie ein PDF wie ein Profi

Transformieren Sie Ihren Dokumenten-Workflow mit unserer umfassenden PDF-Bearbeitungssuite. Von einfachen Konvertierungen bis hin zu erweiterten Bearbeitungsfunktionen bietet PDF Wizard alles, was Sie für die professionelle und effiziente Bearbeitung von PDFs benötigen.