What Is an HEIC File? A Guide for Graphic Designers

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Managing image file types can feel like a maze, especially when new formats like HEIC come into play. Ever tried to access an image sent from someone’s iPhone only to have your device throw a tantrum over a file type you’ve never seen? You’ve probably come across HEIC files and wondered what makes them different from the usual JPG or PNG. If you’re working in digital design, running a business, creating social content or organizing photos for the PTA bake sale, understanding HEIC files will make handling images a lot simpler.

This article will break down everything you need to know about HEIC files—what they are, their advantages and limitations and how to work with them in graphic design.

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What is an HEIC file?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It’s a file format specifically designed to store high-quality images with reduced file sizes. Think of it as the more modern cousin of JPG but with a much better way of preserving image details without taking up as much storage.

Developed as part of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard, HEIC files have become a go-to format for images captured on many Apple devices. The reason? Efficiency. HEIC packs rich picture detail into smaller file sizes, making it ideal for mobile devices and efficient storage.

But HEIC isn’t just an Apple thing. Many other platforms and software are starting to work with this format because of its benefits.

What are HEIC files used for?

HEIC files are primarily used to store photos, but with a twist. They're rich in quality yet occupy less space compared to older formats like JPG. For anyone keen on managing storage while keeping crisp image quality—photographers, content creators, small businesses—HEIC offers an efficient solution.

Here’s where HEIC shines:

Mobile photography – Modern smartphones, especially those by Apple, use HEIC to store high-resolution images and videos efficiently.
Website visuals – For site designers or graphic designers, HEIC lets you use visually stunning images without bogging down loading speeds.
Cloud storage – With HEIC, storing family albums, portfolios or marketing materials in the cloud uses much less space.

Start optimizing your marketing strategies today by incorporating HEIC images to enhance efficiency and visual appeal.

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Advantages of HEIC files

Smaller file sizes: HEIC files take about half the storage of JPG. That means room for more photos without sacrificing storage space.
High-quality visuals: Despite being smaller, HEIC files support richer colors and greater detail. They also allow for features like transparency and 16-bit color depth.
Multi-image storage: HEIC can combine multiple images into one container. This is handy for storing photo bursts or live photos.

Disadvantages of HEIC files

Limited compatibility: Not all devices or software recognize HEIC files just yet, which can make sharing tricky.
Conversion needed: If you're using non-compatible programs, you may need to convert HEIC files to a different format like JPG.
Editing challenges: Not all image editing tools currently support HEIC, meaning extra steps to work on your photos.

HEIC vs other file types

HEIC isn’t the only file format out there, so how does it compare to others? Here’s a quick rundown:

HEIC vs JPG

HEIC’s biggest advantage over JPG is its smaller file size. In terms of quality, both formats are comparable, but HEIC edges ahead in dynamic range and color accuracy. Plus, HEIC can store multiple images within one file while JPG can't. However, not all devices or software support HEIC yet, making sharing a bit tricky at times. While widely used, JPG remains more compatible with various platforms and software.

HEIC vs PNG

PNG and HEIC files both support transparency, but PNG is often preferred for web graphics that require sharp edges and transparent background design. When it comes to file size, PNG files are usually much larger than both HEIC and JPG, particularly for high-resolution images, whereas HEIC is more storage-efficient. In terms of quality, HEIC offers better compression and detail retention compared to PNG, though it is less widely supported for web use.

HEIC vs SVG

SVG files and HEIC files serve different purposes based on their strengths. SVG files are vector-based, making them ideal for designing a logo and icons, while HEIC is better suited for photos and raster images. One key advantage of SVG files is their scalability, as they can be resized infinitely without losing quality, unlike raster images such as HEIC. In terms of file size, HEIC files are often smaller due to advanced compression techniques, though the size ultimately depends on the file's content.

Learn how to resize an image without losing quality by following these simple steps.

HEIC vs WebP

HEIC and WebP are modern image formats offering high-quality visuals with smaller file sizes. HEIC, used mainly on Apple devices, provides advanced compression, while WebP, supported across web browsers, offers versatile lossy and lossless compression for fast-loading images. The choice depends on platform and use case.

Comparison of image file formats

How to convert to HEIC file format

HEIC files are created on devices like iPhones or iPads when capturing photos. These files can be used for more than just storage. To create HEIC files, ensure your Apple device is set to capture photos in the HEIC format, which is usually enabled by default in the settings. Once set, any photo you take will automatically save as an HEIC file.

If you need to use your HEIC images in non-compatible software, learning how to convert an image into other formats like JPG or PNG can be done quickly using tools like Wixel.

Easily convert your images to any format with the Wixel image converter tools:

HEIC files FAQ

Can I switch back to JPG from HEIC on my iPhone?

Yes, you can easily toggle between saving photos as HEIC or JPG under your iPhone’s settings. This gives you flexibility in choosing the best format for your needs.

What is an HEIC file? A guide for graphic designers