What is HEIF?
Complete guide to the HEIF file format
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What is HEIF?
HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) is a container format for images compressed with the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) codec, standardized by the Moving Picture Experts Group in 2015. Apple adopted HEIF as the default capture format on iPhone starting with iOS 11 in 2017. The closely related HEIC format is simply HEIF images stored in an HEIC container - the two terms are often used interchangeably, though HEIF is technically the broader standard.
HEIF achieves roughly twice the compression efficiency of JPEG at the same visual quality, meaning a HEIF photo takes up about half the storage space of an equivalent JPEG. The format supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), wide color gamuts, transparency, image sequences (like Live Photos and burst shots), and depth maps - all features that JPEG cannot represent. This makes HEIF particularly well suited for modern smartphone photography.
How HEIF Works
HEIF is a container built on the ISO Base Media File Format (the same box structure underlying MP4), storing one or more coded images plus metadata, thumbnails, and derived images rather than defining its own compression.[4] When the images are encoded with HEVC the files commonly carry the .heic extension and the heic or heix brand, but the container can also hold images coded with other schemes, such as AVC.[3] The format natively supports image sequences, auxiliary depth and alpha maps, and non-destructive editing operations like cropping and rotation expressed as metadata.[4]
Standardization
HEIF was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group and published in 2017 as ISO/IEC 23008-12, part 12 of the MPEG-H suite.[1] The Library of Congress documents HEIF as a flexible image container distinct from the codec used to compress its contents.[2]
Compatibility Trade-offs
HEVC, the codec most often used inside HEIF, is patent-encumbered, which has slowed adoption outside Apple's ecosystem and meant many applications and web browsers historically could not open HEIC files.[5] This explains why devices frequently convert HEIF photos to JPEG when sharing, trading the storage savings for universal compatibility.[5]
Technical Details
HEIF vs Other Image Formats
| Feature | HEIF | HEIC | JPG | AVIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Raster (container)[1] | HEIF + HEVC | Raster | Raster |
| Compression | Codec-dependent[2] | HEVC lossy | Lossy | AV1 lossy/lossless |
| Transparency | Yes[2] | Yes | No | Yes |
| Image sequences | Yes[4] | Yes | No | Yes |
| Standardized by | ISO/IEC (MPEG-H)[1] | ISO/IEC | ISO/IEC, ITU-T | AOMedia |
| Browser support | Limited | Limited | Universal | Broad |
HEIF is a container that can hold various codecs (commonly HEVC as HEIC), offering strong efficiency but more limited browser support than JPG or AVIF.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Delivers the same visual quality as JPEG at roughly half the file size, saving significant storage space.
Natively stores HDR images and wide color gamut data for accurate reproduction on capable displays.
A single HEIF file can contain image sequences, depth maps, and auxiliary images like thumbnails.
Supports alpha channel transparency, which JPEG cannot do.
Disadvantages
Windows requires a paid codec pack to open HEIF files natively; older Android and Linux systems may struggle.
HEVC patents create licensing costs that have slowed adoption outside the Apple ecosystem.
Many professional photo editors and web browsers have partial or no native HEIF support.
Files must often be converted to JPEG for universal compatibility when sharing outside Apple devices.
When to Use HEIF
Here are the most common situations where HEIF is the right choice:
iPhone Photography
The default format for photos taken on iPhone and iPad when HDR or Live Photos are enabled.
Storage-Constrained Devices
Use HEIF when you need to store more photos on a device without sacrificing visible quality.
Professional Photo Workflows
Ideal for high-end workflows that benefit from HDR data, wide color, and depth information.
Apple Ecosystem Sharing
Share HEIF files between Apple devices where full support is guaranteed.
Convert HEIF Files
Need to convert your HEIF files? Use our free online converter.
Try Image Converter FreeFrequently Asked Questions about HEIF
What is the difference between HEIF and HEIC?
HEIF is the container format standard. HEIC is a specific variant of HEIF that Apple uses, which stores images in an HEVC-compressed stream inside an ISOBMFF container. In practice, .heic and .heif files are nearly identical and most software treats them the same.
Can I open HEIF files on Windows?
Windows 10 and 11 require installing the HEVC Video Extensions codec from the Microsoft Store (usually a small cost) to open HEIF/HEIC files in the Photos app and File Explorer.
Does HEIF support transparency?
Yes. HEIF supports full alpha channel transparency, giving it an advantage over JPEG for images that need transparent backgrounds.
Is HEIF better than WebP?
HEIF generally offers better compression than WebP at equivalent quality. However, WebP has broader browser support and is patent-free, making it the safer choice for web images.
How do I convert HEIF to JPEG?
Use our free online image converter to convert HEIF or HEIC files to JPEG, PNG, or WebP with one click.
References
- ISO/IEC 23008-12:2017 High efficiency coding - Part 12: Image File Format - ISO
- High Efficiency Image File (HEIF) Format, MPEG-H Part 12 - Library of Congress
- High Efficiency Image File Format, HEIC/HEIX brands - Library of Congress
- HEIF Technical Information - Nokia Technologies
- High Efficiency Image File Format - Wikipedia