What Is the Difference Between HEIC and HEIF?

This article provides a comprehensive overview of HEIF and HEIC image formats, detailing their technical differences, benefits, and compatibility challenges. You will learn why modern devices use these formats instead of traditional JPEGs, how they manage to save storage space without sacrificing image quality, and how to easily convert them when you run into compatibility issues on non-Apple devices.

Understanding HEIF and HEIC

When Apple introduced iOS 11, millions of users suddenly noticed their photos were saving with .heic extensions instead of the familiar .jpg. To understand why this change happened, it helps to break down the two terms, which are often used interchangeably but mean slightly different things.

• HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format): This is the overall file format standard developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It is a structural container designed to hold single images, image sequences, and media metadata.
• HEIC (High Efficiency Image Coding): This is the specific file extension Apple chose to use for images encoded with the HEVC (H.265) video compression standard within the HEIF container.

In short, HEIF is the container type, while HEIC is the specific variant that holds images compressed with Apple’s chosen codec.

The Advantages of HEIC Over JPEG

The primary reason tech companies have shifted toward HEIC is efficiency. As smartphone cameras improve, photo file sizes grow exponentially. HEIC solves this problem by using advanced compression algorithms.

1. Superior Compression

HEIC files can compress images to roughly half the file size of an equivalent quality JPEG. This means you can store twice as many photos on your phone or cloud storage without losing details.

2. Enhanced Image Quality

Despite the smaller file size, HEIC supports 16-bit color depth, whereas JPEG only supports 8-bit. This allows HEIC images to capture over a billion colors, resulting in smoother gradients and more realistic imagery.

3. Multimedia Containers

Unlike JPEGs, which can only hold a single static image, HEIC containers can store multiple items in a single file. This capability powers features like Apple’s “Live Photos,” which store a brief video clip alongside the static image, as well as image editing history and alpha channels for transparency.

The Compatibility Challenge

While HEIC is technologically superior to JPEG, its main drawback is compatibility. Because JPEG has been the global standard for decades, almost every device, operating system, and website supports it natively.

HEIC files are natively supported on Apple devices (macOS, iOS) and newer versions of Android and Windows (though Windows sometimes requires downloading an extension). However, many older operating systems, web browsers, and online photo uploaders still refuse to accept HEIC files.

How to Convert HEIC to JPEG

If you need to share your photos with Windows users, upload them to an older website, or view them on an unsupported device, you will need to change them into a more universally accepted format.

You can use this online tool to quickly convert HEIC to JPEG in bulk for free. Using a web-based batch converter allows you to drag and drop multiple HEIC images from your phone or computer and instantly receive standard JPEG files without needing to install heavy software or pay for a premium subscription.