What is HEIC/HEIF?
Many iPhone users might be aware that their devices are utilizing a new format for capturing images and videos, HEIF (with .HEIC as the extension for image files).
HEIF stands for "High Efficiency Image File Format” and is a compressed image format that is able to retain a higher level of detail with smaller file sizes, as compared to JPEG files. HEIF has been the default image type for Apple’s iOS since 2017.
Support of this format across devices is growing, with a number of browsers and photo editing programs now providing compatibility. However, HEIF is not universally supported at this time and conversion to other formats is often needed.
Convert HEIC to more familiar formats
There are many online sites that support converting HEIC to JPEG or other formats.
CloudConvertis CeLT’s recommendation for online file conversion (for images, documents, and more), as it is simple to use, versatile, and reliable. There is a daily limit of free conversions available (number dependent on conversion type), but up to 25 images can generally be converted per day if the user logs into a free CloudConvert account.
From the CloudConvert site, you can convert a file from your local computer drive or from various online storage locations (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.). Simple select your file, designate the format to which you would like it converted, and then click “Convert.” When the conversion is complete, a “Download” button will appear allowing you to download the resulting file.
Adobe Photoshop, accessed locally on your computer as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, also makes it simple to convert HEIC to other formats on both PC and Mac.
To use Photoshop for conversion, begin by importing your HEIC image into the program. You can do this by opening Photoshop, navigating to File > Open, and then selecting your HEIC image.
Once the image has been opened in Photoshop, navigate to File > Save As. In the window that opens, select your new format (JPEG or other) and the location at which you’d like to save the new image. Finally, click “Save.”
