The short answer
A HEIC file is a photo saved in Apple's High Efficiency Image format. Since iOS 11, iPhones and iPads have saved pictures this way by default. The point of the format is size. A HEIC photo looks about the same as a JPG but takes roughly half the storage, which adds up fast on a phone full of pictures.
The catch is that Windows and many older apps do not recognize HEIC out of the box, which is why a photo from an iPhone sometimes will not open on a friend's PC.
How to open a HEIC file
- On a Mac. Preview and Photos open HEIC natively. Nothing to install.
- On Windows. Install the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, then Photos opens HEIC like any other image.
- In a browser. A free online HEIC viewer will display it without any install.
How to convert HEIC to JPG
If you just want a normal JPG that opens everywhere:
- On the iPhone, open Settings, Camera, Formats, and choose Most Compatible. New photos save as JPG.
- For photos you already have, open one in Preview or Photos on a computer and export or save it as JPG.
- Sharing a HEIC through some apps also converts it to JPG automatically.
How to share a HEIC file
Rather than worry about whether the other person can open HEIC, send a link.
- Upload the HEIC photo to snapy.
- Copy the link.
- Share it. It opens in any browser on any device.
Upload a file to share a photo as a link, or learn how to turn an image into a link.