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.HEIC File Extension

A .HEIC file is a High Efficiency Image Format, created by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group).

Open with Gimp. Available for Linux, Windows, and Mac.

What is a .HEIC file?

A .HEIC file is an image file saved in High Efficiency Image Coding (HEIC) format. Introduced by Apple in 2017 this file extension is for high quality images in smaller file sizes. While originally for Apple devices HEIC files are now on other platforms too.

HEIC files use the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard. This compresses images better than traditional formats like JPEG. For example a HEIC photo can be half the size of a JPEG of the same quality.

Compatibility is a big factor. While Apple devices running iOS 11 or later and macOS High Sierra support HEIC files you may encounter compatibility issues with older devices or other operating systems. To fix this many devices automatically convert HEIC files to JPEG during transfers or when sharing across platforms.

Another feature of HEIC files is they can store multiple images. This is good for live photos, burst shots and sequences. HEIC files also support 16-bit color vs 8-bit color in JPEGs for better image quality.

To view or edit .HEIC files, you can use various programs across different platforms:

WindowsMacOSiOSAndroidWebChrome OS
File Viewer Plus (available from Microsoft Store)Apple Preview (included with the OS)Apple Photos (included with the OS)File Viewer for Android (available from Google Play Store)DropboxHEIC Image Viewer Decoder
Adobe Photoshop 2023Apple Photos (included with the OS)iMazing HEIC ConverterGoogle PhotosGoogle DriveGoogle Photos
Adobe Photoshop ElementsAdobe Photoshop 2023Adobe Premiere RushGoogle Photos
Adobe Premiere RushAdobe Photoshop ElementsDropbox
Microsoft Photos (requires HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions packages, which can be installed from the Microsoft Store)Gimp
XnViewMPAdobe Premiere Rush
Gimp
TunesBro HEIC Converter

These programs allow you to open, view, and sometimes edit .HEIC files. If you're using a platform or device that doesn't natively support .HEIC files, you might need to install additional software or extensions, like the HEIF Image Extensions for Windows, to handle these files.

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