Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about HEIC files, conversion quality, privacy and supported devices.
General
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the photo format iPhones and iPads use by default since iOS 11. It stores images compressed with HEVC, which usually makes files about half the size of a comparable JPG. Learn more about HEIC.
Is HEIC.IS free to use?
Yes. All tools are free, without registration, watermarks or daily limits beyond the file limits shown on the converter.
How many photos can I convert at once?
You can add many files in one batch — the exact limits for file count and size are shown on the converter. Converted files can be downloaded together as a ZIP archive.
Can I convert Live Photos?
A Live Photo consists of a HEIC still image and a short separate video. HEIC.IS converts the still image. The motion part is a video file and is not included.
Privacy & security
Are my photos uploaded to a server?
No. Converting HEIC to JPG, PNG or WebP, compressing and viewing all happen inside your browser, on your device. Your photos never leave it.
Why do the “to HEIC” tools use a server?
Browsers can decode HEIC but cannot yet create HEIC files. JPG, PNG and WebP to HEIC conversion therefore runs on our server: files are sent over HTTPS, converted in memory and deleted immediately. Nothing is stored.
Is photo metadata (Exif) kept?
Yes, by default the date, camera details and other Exif data are copied into the converted file, with orientation corrected. In Options you can remove only the GPS location or remove all metadata.
Does HEIC.IS use cookies?
Only necessary cookies are used by default (for example to remember your language and consent choice). Analytics and advertising cookies are used only if you allow them. See the cookie policy.
Formats & quality
Will converting HEIC reduce photo quality?
JPG and WebP are lossy, so the image is re-encoded. With the default High quality the difference is not visible at normal viewing sizes. PNG is lossless if you need an exact copy of the decoded image.
Should I convert HEIC to JPG, PNG or WebP?
Choose JPG for sharing and maximum compatibility, PNG for lossless editing or transparency, and WebP for websites where small files matter. Compare the formats.
Will the colours look the same after conversion?
Yes. iPhone photos use the wide Display P3 colour space, and the converter embeds the original colour profile in the output file so colours stay accurate in colour-managed apps.
Why is the converted JPG larger than the HEIC file?
HEIC compresses more efficiently than JPG, so a JPG at similar quality is usually bigger. Choose Balanced quality or a smaller size, or use the HEIC compressor.
Devices
How do I stop my iPhone from saving photos as HEIC?
Open Settings → Camera → Formats and choose “Most Compatible”. New photos will be saved as JPG. To convert automatically when copying photos to a computer, set Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC to “Automatic”.
How do I open HEIC files on Windows?
Windows 10 and 11 need the HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Without installing anything, you can view HEIC files with our HEIC viewer or convert them to JPG. Read the guide.
Can Android phones open HEIC files?
Many recent Android phones and Google Photos can display HEIC, but support varies by device and app. Converting to JPG guarantees the photo opens everywhere. Android guide.
Does the converter work offline?
Once the page and the converter have loaded, HEIC to JPG, PNG and WebP conversion doesn't need a network connection because it runs on your device.