.heic — High Efficiency Image Container
MPEG · 2015
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image format used by Apple devices since iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra.
Key Features
- Varies storage behavior for typical image workflows
- Common MIME type: image/heic
- Recognizable file signature: 66 74 79 70 (ftyp)
- Associated with MPEG
Best For
- Visual media and web publishing
- Screenshots or photos
- Assets that need broad compatibility
Less Ideal For
- Tasks needing executable logic
- Large datasets or tabular analysis
- Files that must preserve every edit forever
Common Use Cases
- Storing photos or screenshots
- Publishing graphics on websites
- Sharing images in apps and email
How to Open It
- On Windows, open the file with Windows Photos (with HEIC extension) or CopyTrans HEIC.
- On macOS, open the file with Preview or Photos.
- If the file does not open, confirm that the extension really matches .heic and that the download or transfer completed without corruption.
What is a .heic file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image format used by Apple devices since iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. HEIC files are based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard and use HEVC (H.265) compression, producing files that are roughly 50% smaller than equivalent JPEG images while maintaining the same or better visual quality. HEIC also supports features like image sequences, depth maps, and transparency.
Programs That Open .heic Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows Photos (with HEIC extension) | Free | |
| CopyTrans HEIC | Free | ||
| macOS | Preview | Free | Official |
| Photos | Free | Official |
Common Problems with .heic Files
Frequently Asked Questions
.heic files can be opened with several programs. Windows Photos (with HEIC extension) is one of the most popular choices.
Generally yes, .heic files are safe to open with appropriate software.
Yes, there are many online and offline tools available to convert .heic files. Check the conversion section above for specific methods.
Technical Details
High Efficiency Image Container files use the image/heic MIME type and were first introduced in 2015 by MPEG. The file can be identified by its signature: 66 74 79 70 (ftyp).