HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is a modern image format that offers superior compression compared to JPEG. At the same quality level, files are approximately 40-50% smaller than JPEGs. Apple adopted it as the default photo format for iPhones starting with iOS 11, and the format is gaining support across other platforms.
What is HEIF?
It is a container format that can store images, image sequences, and even audio. It uses the HEVC (H.265) codec for compression, which is the same technology used in modern video encoding. This allows it to achieve much better compression efficiency than older formats while maintaining excellent image quality.
The format was standardized by MPEG in 2015. Apple introduced HEIF support in 2017, making it the default format for photos on iPhone 7 and later. Android devices also increasingly support HEIF, though adoption varies by manufacturer.
Comparison with JPEG
Compared to JPEG, it offers several technical advantages:
- Better compression – 40-50% smaller files at equivalent quality
- 16-bit color depth – vs 8-bit for JPEG, enabling smoother gradients
- Transparency support – alpha channel like PNG
- Multiple images – can store bursts, Live Photos, or image sequences
- Non-destructive edits – rotation and crops stored without re-encoding
- HDR support – wider dynamic range than standard JPEG
Where is it used?
It is the default photo format on iPhones, iPads, and newer Macs. When you take a photo on an iPhone, it’s saved as a .HEIC file. Android devices are also adding support, particularly Samsung and Google Pixel phones. In professional photography, adoption is slower due to compatibility concerns with older software.
Compatibility and limitations
The main limitation is compatibility. Not all software and websites support the format yet. When sharing, these files often need to be converted to JPEG for universal compatibility. Apple devices automatically convert to JPEG when sharing to incompatible apps.
Support for viewing and editing:
- Windows – requires HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store
- macOS – native support since High Sierra
- Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop – full support
- Web browsers – Safari supports it; Chrome and Firefox have limited support
How to convert
To convert these files for universal compatibility, you can use built-in tools on Apple devices (share as JPEG), Adobe software, or free online converters. On iPhone, you can also change the camera settings to capture in JPEG instead of HEIF if compatibility is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about HEIF on Wikipedia.
