.heic — High Efficiency Image Container
Apple's default photo format on iPhones since iOS 11. Stores photos at roughly half the size of an equivalent JPEG at similar quality using modern HEVC compression.
Also known as: .heif
Media files are generally low-risk to open with trusted, up-to-date software. Keep your viewer/player updated, since any file format can theoretically be crafted to exploit a buggy app.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a .heic file?
Apple's default photo format on iPhones since iOS 11. Stores photos at roughly half the size of an equivalent JPEG at similar quality using modern HEVC compression.
Can I edit a .heic file?
Partially. .heic files can be edited with the right tool (such as Photos (macOS/iOS)), but not with just any text editor.
Does having a .heic extension mean the file is safe?
No single extension can guarantee that. Media files are generally low-risk to open with trusted, up-to-date software. Keep your viewer/player updated, since any file format can theoretically be crafted to exploit a buggy app. Always consider where the file came from, not just its name.