File Extension Database

Open HEIC File

The new HEIC file extension is found as the extension for the photos made on devices with iOS 11 or higher and with an A9 processor or higher. Images in HEIC format could be found on iPhone 6s or later and the 9.7 iPad from 2017 or later.

The HEIC type of file, coming from HEIF Format, is an acronym for High Efficiency Image Format, was developed by the MPEG group, well known for audio and video formats developer, such as MP3 and MP4.

As the new imaging standard for iOS 11 devices, HEIC was designed to replace the JPG format.

Advantages of the HEIC format

It takes up almost half the space of the JPG format but retains the same quality.
You can store multiple photos in a single file, such as Live Photos or Bursts.
It supports transparent backgrounds like GIF files.
It can store image edits, such as cropping and rotations, so you can undo the changes.
It supports 16-bit color depth, while JPG only 8-bit.

Important note: prior to Windows 10 April 2018 update HEIC files could not be opened in Windows without special application. But after Windows 10 April 2018 update came out you can just click on the HEIC file in question and it will open in Windows Photos app successfully.

How Can I Open HEIC File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open HEIC file is to find a HEIC file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a HEIC file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open HEIC file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as HEIC file opener then try to search online for "HEIC viewer", "application to open HEIC file" or "open HEIC file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open HEIC file

How Can I Open HEIC File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a HEIC file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a HEIC file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with HEIC file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as HEIC file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open HEIC file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open HEIC file then try to search for "HEIC viewer", "application to open HEIC file" or "read HEIC file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read HEIC file

How Can I Open HEIC File on Android

If you downloaded a HEIC file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded HEIC file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "HEIC".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "HEIC viewer", "HEIC file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open HEIC File on iPhone or iPad

To open HEIC File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the HEIC file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "HEIC". This way you can find apps which can open HEIC files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "HEIC viewer" or "HEIC file" online in your favorite search engine.

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