File Extension Database

Open HEIF File

HEIF is a new updated image container optimized for JPG or PNG, and also supports image sequences such as GIFs, video and audio.

Its acronym comes from High Efficiency Image File Format and is developed by MPEG.

The Apple company has begun to adopt and support it in its latest devices and operating systems and Microsoft Windows also added support for HEIF since Windows 10 April 2018 update.

This standard is projected to become a substitute for various image formats such as the old JPG format, since it offers an optimization in the size of the files while maintaining the same image quality with greater bit depth, and also the possibility of creating image sequences and added audio.

With HEIF, still images encoded in the HVEC (H.265) video format are stored.

For now, the new format streamlines the use of Apple Live Photos, which is a sequence of images that gives movement to the photo.

It also has functions similar to RAW, being able to edit certain aspects of the photo without performing invasive or destructive changes to the original image, which means that you can always restore or return to the original image.

Important note: prior to Windows 10 April 2018 update HEIC files in HEIF format 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 HEIF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open HEIF file is to find a HEIF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a HEIF 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 HEIF 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 HEIF file opener then try to search online for "HEIF viewer", "application to open HEIF file" or "open HEIF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open HEIF file

How Can I Open HEIF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a HEIF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a HEIF 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 HEIF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as HEIF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open HEIF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open HEIF file then try to search for "HEIF viewer", "application to open HEIF file" or "read HEIF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read HEIF file

How Can I Open HEIF File on Android

If you downloaded a HEIF 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 HEIF 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 "HEIF".
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 "HEIF viewer", "HEIF 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 HEIF File on iPhone or iPad

To open HEIF 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 HEIF 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 "HEIF". This way you can find apps which can open HEIF 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 "HEIF viewer" or "HEIF file" online in your favorite search engine.