Basic information about HEIC file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension HEIC（*.HEIC or *.heic）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the HEIC file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the HEIC file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the HEIC file with their brief description and a list of programs that support HEIC file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the HEIC file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the HEIC file?
  • How to open a HEIC file?
  • What programs do I need to open a HEIC file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a HEIC file?
  • How to convert HEIC files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to HEIC file format?


1.Detail information about HEIC file extension: High Efficiency Image Format

File type High Efficiency Image Format Category Raster Image Files
Developer Moving Picture Experts Group File format Binary
Description HEIC file is a High Efficiency Image Format developed by Moving Picture Experts Group. An HEIC file contains one or more images saved in the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF), a file format commonly used to store photos on mobile devices. It may contain a single image or a sequence of images along with metadata that describe each image. The file extension ".heic" is most commonly used, but HEIC files may also appear as .HEIF files.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert HEIC files

Windows		 Dropbox
CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
iMazing HEIC Converter
Apowersoft Photo Viewer

macOS		 Apple Preview
Apple Photos
Dropbox
iMazing HEIC Converter

Linux		 Dropbox

Android		 Dropbox
Simple Soft Alliance Luma: HEIF Viewer and Converter

iOS		 Apple iOS
Dropbox
Google Drive
Google Photos

Windows Mobile		 Dropbox

Web		 Dropbox
Google Photos
Google Drive



How to convert HEIC files to another file format?

There are 3 records in our database eligible for HEIC files to another file format conversion. If you want to achieve HEIC to another files conversion, you may use the option.

HEIC to JPEG HEIC to JPG HEIC to PNG


Can't open a HEIC file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.HEIC”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the HEIC extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support HEIC file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of HEIC files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a HEIC file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a HEIC file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a HEIC file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the HEIC file is damaged.
  • Whether the HEIC file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the HEIC file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the HEIC file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the HEIC file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a HEIC file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a HEIC file.

If the HEIC file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.