How and how to open a HEIC file on a computer
Miscellaneous / / April 05, 2023
Some easy and fast ways.
What is HEIC
The HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) image format was developed as an alternative to the popular JPEG and should gradually replace it. The latter uses a compression method that retains little information about shadows, highlights, and midtones. This is not the best effect, for example, when shooting with a high dynamic range (HDR). HEIF allows you to save disk space and at the same time store more data in files than JPEG.
In 2017, Apple proposed its offshoot of a new format - HEIC (High Efficiency Image Coding). This is the same as HEIF but is used as the standard for iPhone photos.
HEIC is suitable for packaging a series of HEIF images, as well as audio and video recordings. This format records the history of file changes. This allows you to roll back unsuccessful changes in the editor to the original view.
So far, HEIC files have a compatibility issue with other platforms outside of the Apple ecosystem. Not all operating systems can work with this format without add-ons. Therefore, you have to install additional plugins or use converters. This usually happens when copying images.
from Apple devices to computers with other operating systems.How to open HEIC file
On Windows
With an extension
To fully work with such files in Windows 10 and 11, you need to download and install the HEIF Image Extensions extension from the Microsoft Store. This plugin will allow you to open HEIF and HEIC with a standard image viewer. Proceed like this:
- Launch Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions.
- Select "HEIF Image Extensions" from the list.
- On the page that appears, click the "Get" button.
- Double-click on the desired HEIC file. Thanks to the extension, it will open without problems.
To fully work with all variants of HEIF and HEIC, including video, you may also need the HEVC Video Extensions add-on. Developers are asking to pay for it dollar. The installation process is identical to that described above, but you need to enter the appropriate text in the search box - HEVC Video Extensions.
Using a converter program
Another option on Windows is to download and install an application like CopyTrans HEIC. In this case, you will be able to open the photos with a standard image viewer.
In addition, CopyTrans HEIC allows you to convert files from this extension to JPEG, as well as add them to Microsoft Office documents and send them to a printer for printing.
This method is also suitable for earlier versions of the operating system - Windows 7 and 8.
On Linux
On some distributions OS special plugins are provided to work with HEIC files. Such possibility is, for example, in Linux Ubuntu. If you have a different version, it's easier to use the following method and convert the image to JPEG in the online service.
Ubuntu users can open HEIC files with the Heif‑gdk‑pixbuf package. To install it on your system, use this command in a terminal:sudo apt install heif-gdk-pixbuf
Next, download the Gpicview image viewer app. To do this, enter the following command in the terminal:sudo apt install gpicview
Find a new utility in the list of programs and transfer the file in HEIC format to it - the picture should open.
On any OS
On most operating systems, it is convenient to simply convert HEIC to JPEG using an online service. When sending files via social networks and instant messengers, this usually happens automatically. But if you've been sent a HEIC file or email, try one of the options below.
For example, onlineconvert free. To convert a picture, here it is enough to transfer the image to the download window. Then click on the thumbnail that appears to download the JPEG file.
Another converter specifically designed to convert HEIC to JPEG is available at freetoolonline. The service works the same as the previous one. You need to drag the file to the download page, wait a few seconds and download the converted image.
Most of these online converters allow you to convert several HEIC files at once and download the resulting images as a single package in an archive.
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