HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image file format developed by Apple. It offers significant advantages over the older JPEG format, including:

• Higher image quality: HEIC provides better image quality with a smaller file size.
• Space savings: HEIC files take up roughly half the space of JPEGs of similar quality.
• Support for additional features: HEIC supports transparency, 16-bit color, and image sequences.

While HEIC is the native format for Apple devices, it can be opened and viewed on computers running Windows 10 and 11. Here are a few ways:

Method 1: HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft

1. Open Microsoft Store: Find it in the Start menu or by searching Windows.
2. Search for the extension: Type “HEIF Image Extensions” in the search bar.
3. Install: Click the “Get” button and follow the on-screen instructions.

After installing the extension, you’ll be able to open HEIC files in the default Windows photo viewer.

Method 2: Photo viewing software

Many popular photo viewing programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and IrfanView, support the HEIC format. Simply open the HEIC file in your chosen program.

Method 3: Online converters

If you don’t want to install additional software, you can use an online HEIC to JPEG converter. There are many free converters available that allow you to quickly convert HEIC to the more common JPEG format.

Method 4: Copying from iPhone

If you have an iPhone, you can simply copy the HEIC photos to your computer. When copying, the iPhone automatically converts them to JPEG format, which is easily opened in Windows.

Important: To view HEVC videos (the video format associated with HEIC), you may also need to install the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.

HEIC is a modern and efficient image format that offers several advantages over older formats. While it’s native to Apple devices, it can be easily opened and viewed on computers running Windows.