Guides
How to View HEIC Files on Any Device
A quick reference for opening HEIC photos on iPhone, Mac, Windows, Android, Linux and Chromebooks — plus a universal option that works in any browser.
· 2 min read
HEIF Converter
Convert HEIF images — .heif, .heic and .hif files from phones and cameras — into JPG, PNG or WebP, directly in your browser.
Processed locally in your browser
Converted on your device. Your photos never leave this browser.
How to use the HEIF Converter
- 1
Add HEIF files
Drop .heif, .heic or .hif files onto the converter, or choose them from your device or memory card.
- 2
Choose the output
Select JPG, PNG or WebP, and adjust quality, size and metadata if needed.
- 3
Convert and save
Press Convert and download the images individually or as a ZIP file.
Why use this tool
- All HEIF extensionsHandles .heif, .heic and the .hif files produced by many mirrorless cameras.
- Handles high bit depth10-bit HEIF photos are decoded and converted to standard 8-bit output files.
- Runs locallyLarge camera files are converted on your device without long uploads.
- Keeps Exif dataCamera, lens and exposure details are carried over by default.
HEIF, HEIC and HIF — what's the difference?
HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is the container standard defined by MPEG. It can hold images compressed with different codecs. HEIC refers to HEIF files whose images are compressed with HEVC (H.265) — this is what iPhones produce. Many cameras save HEVC-compressed HEIF images with the extension .HIF.
In practice, most files you'll encounter with any of these extensions contain HEVC images, and this converter handles them all. For a longer explanation read HEIC vs HEIF.
Camera HEIF files
Recent cameras from manufacturers such as Canon, Sony, Fujifilm and Nikon can record 10-bit HEIF files as a more efficient alternative to JPG, often used for HDR stills. The converter decodes these files and writes standard 8-bit JPG, PNG or WebP images, which any software can open.
Output files use 8 bits per channel. HDR tone curves such as HLG are not converted to SDR by tone mapping; images shot in an HDR mode may look flatter or brighter than on the camera. For HDR editing workflows, use the manufacturer's software.
Supported and unsupported variants
- Supported: HEVC-coded HEIF/HEIC images, grid (tiled) images, rotation and mirroring, transparency and embedded ICC profiles.
- Not supported: AVIF files (AV1-coded HEIF — a different format), and HEIF files that contain only video tracks.
If a file can't be decoded, the converter tells you why instead of producing a broken image.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .hif file?
A .hif file is a HEIF image — usually HEVC-compressed — saved by many digital cameras. It can be converted just like an iPhone HEIC file.
Is HEIF the same as HEIC?
HEIF is the container format; HEIC is a HEIF file with HEVC-compressed images. Most HEIF files you'll find are HEIC.
Can I convert 10-bit HEIF photos?
Yes. They are decoded and converted to standard 8-bit JPG, PNG or WebP files.
Does this convert AVIF?
No. AVIF uses a different codec (AV1). The converter recognises AVIF files and tells you they aren't supported.
Related guides
Comparisons
HEIC vs HEIF: What's the Difference?
HEIC and HEIF are often used interchangeably, but they aren't quite the same. Here's the difference between the container standard and Apple's photo format — in plain language.
· 1 min read
Image formats
What Is HEIF? The High Efficiency Image File Format Explained
HEIF is the image container standard behind HEIC, AVIF and camera .HIF files. Learn what it is, who created it, what it can store and where it's supported.
· 2 min read