Learn About HEIC Files: A Comprehensive Guide

In 2017, Apple revolutionized image storage for its users by introducing the High Efficiency Image Container (HEIC) format. Since then, HEIC files have become the standard image format for Apple users across the globe. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of HEIC files, their history, usage, pros and cons, how to open and edit them, and also explore the process of converting HEIC files to more widely compatible formats like JPEG and PNG. Let’s embark on a journey to discover everything you need to know about HEIC files!

Understanding HEIC Files

What is a HEIC File?

HEIC, short for High Efficiency Image Container, is an image file format developed by Apple. It is an updated variant of the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) that Apple traditionally used across its mobile devices. The HEIC format offers higher image quality than JPEG while consuming significantly less storage space due to advanced compressive technology. Each HEIC file has either a .heic or .heics extension, depending on the number of images it contains, and also includes relevant metadata such as image size, resolution, and location.

History of HEIC Files

The origin of HEIC files traces back to the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), who developed the original HEVC and HEIF technologies. Apple had previously adopted MPEG’s Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard for iTunes, and in the mid-2010s, they started using the HEVC/H.265 video format. The natural progression led to the adoption of HEIC files in 2017 as part of the iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra updates. This shift allowed Apple to improve space-saving capabilities and keep up with the increasing quality of their smartphone cameras, inspiring other manufacturers like Microsoft and Canon to embrace the HEIF format.

The Versatility of HEIC Files

HEIC files offer a wide range of applications due to their high-quality images and space-saving capabilities. These applications include:

• Photoshoots: HEIC files provide flexibility for storing numerous photos in impressive resolution on a single device, ideal for photographers and online influencers.

• Capturing Action: The burst mode functionality and live photos in HEIC files enable users to capture multiple high-quality action shots of moving subjects.

• Creating Animations: HEIC files can be converted into GIFs, allowing users to create moving animations from stored sequences of images.

Advantages of HEIC Files

• Space-saving:

HEIC files occupy only half the storage space compared to JPEGs, making them an excellent choice for devices with limited storage capacity.

• High-quality Images:

Despite their smaller size, HEIC files maintain image quality and even support 16-bit color, allowing for more flexible editing.

• Preserving Metadata:

HEIC files store essential image data such as time, location, and resolution, along with any edits made, facilitating easy retrieval and editing.

Disadvantages of HEIC Files

• Limited Compatibility:

The widespread adoption of HEIC files, especially outside the Apple ecosystem, remains relatively low, leading to compatibility issues on some platforms and software.

• Editing and Uploading Challenges:

Users may face difficulties in editing or uploading HEIC files on platforms that do not support the format in its original form.

HEIC Support Nightmare

Given the limited compatibility of HEIC files with some platforms and software, users may require converting HEIC files to more widely supported formats like JPEG and PNG for easy sharing and editing.

Introducing a free online secure tool designed to help users overcome compatibility issues with HEIC files. HEIConvert.com. By using this website, users can effortlessly convert their HEIC files to JPEG or PNG formats. The conversion process is simple - users upload their HEIC file, choose the desired output format and voila you are done. No payment, no signup.

HEIC files have emerged as the go-to image format for Apple users, thanks to their superior image quality and space-saving capabilities. Despite facing limited compatibility challenges, users can easily convert HEIC files to JPEG or PNG formats using online tools like HEIConvert.com. As technology evolves, HEIC files are expected to gain wider acceptance, empowering users to capture, store, and share their cherished memories with ease. So, embrace the future of image storage with HEIC files and enjoy a seamless and efficient imaging experience!