Heif

HEIF, or High Efficiency Image File Format, is a modern image file standard designed to optimize image quality while minimizing file size. Used widely on mobile devices and digital cameras, HEIF leverages advanced compression technologies, delivering superior storage efficiency without compromising visual fidelity. This lexicon entry explores HEIF’s definition, history, technical features, advantages, limitations, typical use cases, and practical guidance for working with this file format.

Definition

HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is an advanced container format for images and image sequences. Defined by the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group), it utilizes high-efficiency compression, primarily with the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) codec, to store digital photos and animations in a compact yet high-quality form. HEIF files typically use the .heif or .heic extension and are recognized for supporting features like transparent backgrounds, depth maps, and metadata.

Origin & Historical Background

The HEIF standard was finalized by the MPEG group in 2015, published as ISO/IEC 23008-12. Its development coincided with the rise of high-resolution cameras and smartphones, responding to the need for more efficient image storage. Apple played a significant role in popularizing HEIF, introducing it as the default image format in iOS 11 (2017) and macOS High Sierra. Since then, HEIF’s adoption has grown across different ecosystems, although some platforms and applications still rely on more traditional formats like JPEG and PNG.

Technical Characteristics

• Container structure: HEIF is based on the ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF), allowing it to store single images, image sequences (animations), and related metadata in a single file.
• Compression: Primarily uses HEVC (H.265) for lossy or lossless compression, resulting in smaller file sizes for comparable or better image quality than older formats such as JPEG.
• Bit depth & color: Supports higher bit depths (up to 16 bits per channel) and wide color gamuts (HDR), ideal for modern displays.
• Advanced features: Capable of storing alpha channels for transparency, depth maps for 3D effects, live photos, and multiple images/variants within one file.
• Metadata support: Incorporates metadata such as EXIF, XMP, and IPTC for storing shooting conditions, GPS data, and more.
• Extension: Commonly uses .heif or .heic file extensions.

Advantages

• Space efficiency: Reduces image file sizes by up to 50% compared to JPEG without visible quality loss, saving storage space on devices.
• Superior image quality: Maintains higher image quality at equivalent bitrates, with better handling of gradients, textures, and color richness.
• Rich features: Supports animations, live photos, transparency, depth maps, and multiple versions of an image in a single file.
• Future-proof: Designed to support modern visual demands, such as high-dynamic-range (HDR) and wide color gamut imaging.
• Efficient streaming: Enables faster image loading and sharing, especially for image-heavy applications and online platforms.

Limitations / Drawbacks

• Compatibility: Not universally supported by all operating systems, browsers, or applications, especially older or niche software.
• Patent/licensing: HEVC relies on patented technology, which may impose licensing fees for developers and businesses.
• Editing challenges: Some traditional image editors lack native HEIF support, requiring conversion before editing.
• Performance: Higher computational power may be needed for decoding and encoding, possibly slowing down workflows on older hardware.
• Interoperability: Sharing HEIF files with users or devices that do not support the format can create friction and require conversions.

How to Open and Edit

Support for HEIF is steadily increasing, but users may encounter varying compatibility depending on their platform or software. Here are common ways to open and edit HEIF files:

• Windows: Native support from Windows 10 (version 1809) onward with the free HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store. Some editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop (with plugins or updates), also provides support.
• macOS/iOS: Native support in macOS High Sierra and iOS 11 or later. Preview, Photos, and most Apple apps can open and edit HEIF images directly.
• Android: Supported on Android 9 (Pie) and above. Some gallery and camera apps natively handle HEIF images.
• Linux: Requires third-party libraries or tools, like libheif, gThumb, or GIMP with plugins.
• Online converters: Several web services allow users to view, edit, or convert HEIF images in-browser.

Conversion and Alternatives

Because of compatibility concerns, conversion between HEIF and other formats is a common requirement. Popular options include:

• To JPEG/PNG: Use built-in export features in Windows Photos, Apple Photos, or free online converters. Tools such as XnConvert, ImageMagick, or GIMP (with plugins) also support batch conversions.
• From JPEG/PNG to HEIF: Some photo management tools and converters (like Apple Photos or libheif utilities) can create HEIF files from standard formats.

Alternatives to HEIF:

• JPEG: Universally compatible but less efficient in compression and features.
• PNG: Supports transparency, lossless compression, but generates larger files.
• WebP: Modern, efficient, with growing support in browsers and some applications.
• AVIF: Another advanced, efficient format based on AV1 video compression, rivaling or surpassing HEIF in performance and open licensing.

Common Use Cases

• Smartphone photography: Used by many modern phones (notably iPhones and some Android models) to save storage without sacrificing quality.
• Photo backups and cloud storage: Preferred for efficient cloud syncing, allowing users to store thousands of high-quality images.
• Social media & messaging apps: Some platforms adopt HEIF for sharing multiple images or “live photos” with motion and sound.
• Web publishing: Employed on websites prioritizing mobile performance and reduced bandwidth, though browser support remains limited.
• Professional photography: Utilized by photographers needing high bit-depth images and advanced features like depth maps or transparency.

Best Practices & Tips

• Assess compatibility: Before adopting HEIF as a main format, confirm support across your target devices, OS versions, and software tools.
• Keep originals: When converting, retain your original HEIF files to prevent cumulative quality loss from multiple compressions.
• Batch conversion: Use trusted batch converters to save time when exporting large image collections to or from HEIF.
• Metadata handling: Ensure tools used for conversion or editing preserve essential metadata (EXIF, GPS).
• Regularly update software: New versions of operating systems and image editors often improve HEIF support and performance.
• Test before sharing: If collaborating or distributing images, check recipients’ ability to open HEIF files; provide JPEG or PNG alternatives if needed.

FAQ

• What is the difference between HEIF and HEIC?
  HEIF refers to the container file format, while HEIC usually denotes a HEIF file specifically containing images encoded with HEVC (HEIC = HEIF + HEVC).
• Is HEIF better than JPEG?
  Yes in terms of efficiency and features: HEIF delivers higher quality at smaller sizes and has advanced capabilities (animations, transparency, depth maps) unavailable in JPEG.
• Why do some devices not support HEIF?
  Licensing, patent considerations, and slower adoption by certain software or hardware vendors mean that not all devices are compatible, especially older models.
• How can I convert HEIF images to JPEG or PNG?
  Use built-in operating system features, online converters, or image management apps (like Apple Photos, Windows Photos, GIMP with plugins, or ImageMagick).
• Can HEIF store videos?
  HEIF can store image sequences (animations), but for true video files, related formats based on ISOBMFF, such as MP4 or MOV, are used.