HEIF vs HEIC
HEIC stores HEVC-coded images in HEIF and can retain auxiliary images and capture metadata. It fits compatible camera and device workflows; sharing with software that lacks HEVC image decoding may require a conventional export.
Image format
HEIF
An image container for individual pictures, collections and sequences. The codec inside determines compression.
Explore the format
Convert HEIF to
Choose a target format for your HEIF images.
JPEGJPEGHEIF → JPEGPNGPNGHEIF → PNGWebPWebPHEIF → WebPAVIFAVIFHEIF → AVIFHEICHEICHEIF → HEICGIFGIFHEIF → GIFWith caveat
All 21 conversions
Marked paths may need steps such as flattening, rasterization, tone mapping or animation loss.
Convert to HEIF
Choose a source format to convert to HEIF.
JPEGJPEGJPEG → HEIFPNGPNGPNG → HEIFWebPWebPWebP → HEIFAVIFAVIFAVIF → HEIFHEICHEICHEIC → HEIFGIFGIFGIF → HEIFWith caveat
All 36 conversions
TIFFTIFFTIFF → HEIFBMPBMPBMP → HEIFSVGSVGSVG → HEIFICOICOICO → HEIFJPEG XLJPEG XLJPEG XL → HEIFJPEG 2000JPEG 2000JPEG 2000 → HEIFQOIQOIQOI → HEIFTGATGATGA → HEIFPCXPCXPCX → HEIFPPMPPMPPM → HEIFPGMPGMPGM → HEIFPBMPBMPBM → HEIFPAMPAMPAM → HEIFHDRHDRHDR → HEIFWith caveatEXREXREXR → HEIFWith caveatPSDPSDPSD → HEIFWith caveatPDFPDFPDF → HEIFWith caveatDNGDNGDNG → HEIFCanon CR2Canon CR2Canon CR2 → HEIFCanon CR3Canon CR3Canon CR3 → HEIFCanon CRWCanon CRWCanon CRW → HEIFNikon NEFNikon NEFNikon NEF → HEIFSony ARWSony ARWSony ARW → HEIFFujifilm RAFFujifilm RAFFujifilm RAF → HEIFOlympus ORFOlympus ORFOlympus ORF → HEIFPanasonic RW2Panasonic RW2Panasonic RW2 → HEIFPentax PEFPentax PEFPentax PEF → HEIFSigma X3FSigma X3FSigma X3F → HEIFKodak RAWKodak RAWKodak RAW → HEIFHasselblad 3FRHasselblad 3FRHasselblad 3FR → HEIF
Marked paths may need steps such as flattening, rasterization, tone mapping or animation loss.
About HEIF
High Efficiency Image File Format
HEIF is an ISO image-container framework based on the ISO Base Media File Format. It describes individual image items, relationships, collections and timed sequences. HEIF is not one image codec: HEVC, AV1 and other bindings can carry different compressed pixel data inside the same broader container family.
The container can hold alpha or depth as auxiliary images, Exif and XMP metadata, colour properties and transformations such as rotation. Features are optional and readers may expose only the primary picture. An image collection is not automatically an animation, and a stored depth map is not an editable 3D scene.
Use it for compatible capture, storage and photo-library workflows that can retain the required items. Sharing a flattened copy may be simpler for a recipient, but can discard auxiliary information. Always check the codec and file brands as well as the extension; renaming the file does not change its encoding.
Key capabilities
HEIF defines the container. Compression may be lossy, lossless or uncompressed depending on its codec binding; one global quality or bit-depth value would be misleading.
History of HEIF
HEIF developed as a structured image container; HEIC became a familiar capture variant through HEVC-based device photography.
HEIF compared
Different formats, different trade-offs. Choose for the image and the workflow.
HEIF vs JPEG
JPEG makes a compact photographic delivery file, but ordinary JPEG discards detail and has no alpha. Keep the richer source for editing and use JPEG when the receiving workflow expects an opaque photo.
HEIF vs AVIF
AVIF uses AV1 coding and supports alpha, image sequences and higher bit depths for HDR workflows. It is worth evaluating for final delivery; codec settings and the receiving application determine whether its additional features survive.
HEIF vs PNG
PNG preserves decoded pixels losslessly and can carry alpha. It is useful for transparent graphics and screenshots; it does not preserve editable document layers or camera sensor data, and photographic files can be large.
HEIF FAQ
What does this format store?
HEIF is an ISO image-container framework based on the ISO Base Media File Format. It describes individual image items, relationships, collections and timed sequences. HEIF is not one image codec: HEVC, AV1 and other bindings can carry different compressed pixel data inside the same broader container family.
How does compression affect quality?
HEIF defines the container. Compression may be lossy, lossless or uncompressed depending on its codec binding; one global quality or bit-depth value would be misleading.
Are HEIC and HEIF interchangeable names?
HEIF is the container framework; HEIC conventionally means HEVC images in that framework. Other codecs have their own bindings and brands. The MIME types distinguish still images from sequences.
What should I check before opening the file?
Check that the application supports the codec, profile and required auxiliary items. Apple documents HEIF capture on compatible devices and conversion for sharing; container recognition alone does not supply a missing decoder.
What changes when I export to another format?
Exporting the primary picture alone can remove depth, alternate images and sequences. JPEG flattens transparency; HDR to SDR requires tone mapping. Rotation, colour properties and metadata must be interpreted before export.
When is this format useful?
Use it for compatible capture, storage and photo-library workflows that can retain the required items. Sharing a flattened copy may be simpler for a recipient, but can discard auxiliary information. Always check the codec and file brands as well as the extension; renaming the file does not change its encoding.