Convert HEIF to HEIC Online & Free

Use our fast and secure convert HEIF to HEIC tool to switch your photos to the HEIC format in seconds—no sign-up, no watermarks, and 100% free. This online HEIF to HEIC converter keeps your image quality intact, supports batch processing, and works in your browser on any device. Just upload, convert, and download with one click for a smooth, hassle-free experience.

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Looking for more ways to work with HEIF? Explore our tools to easily switch formats in seconds, keeping great quality every time—perfect alongside our HEIF to HEIC converter.

Frequently Asked Questions about converting HEIF to HEIC

Find quick answers to common questions about converting HEIF to HEIC. Below, we explain what the formats mean, how the conversion works, supported devices, file quality, privacy, and troubleshooting tips—so you can convert your images with confidence.

What’s the difference between HEIF and HEIC files?

HEIF is a file format standard (High Efficiency Image File Format) that defines how images, image sequences, and related data are stored. It supports advanced features like multiple images in one file (bursts, live photos), transparency, depth maps, and efficient metadata, all with high compression efficiency.

HEIC is a common file extension used for HEIF files that specifically contain images encoded with Apple’s preferred codec, HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding, also known as H.265). In other words, HEIC is a type of HEIF file, but not all HEIF files are HEIC.

In practice: HEIF is the container/standard; HEIC is a HEIF file encoded with HEVC. Some platforms may use HEIF with other codecs or different extensions (e.g., .heif, .heifs). Compatibility varies by device and software, so you may need to convert HEIC/HEIF to widely supported formats like JPEG or PNG when sharing.

Will converting HEIF to HEIC reduce image quality?

Short answer: no, converting a HEIF file to HEIC does not inherently reduce image quality if you’re only changing the container/extension and keeping the same HEVC (H.265) encoded image data. HEIC is essentially a specific HEIF profile that uses HEVC, so a direct remux (no re-encode) preserves quality.

Quality loss can occur if the conversion re-encodes the image, changes the codec (e.g., to AVC), lowers the bitrate, or drops metadata, depth maps, or multiple frames. Check your tool’s settings: look for options like “lossless,” “copy stream,” or “no recompression.”

To ensure no degradation, use a converter that supports stream copy from HEIF to HEIC, maintains the original bit depth and color profile, and avoids downscaling or changing compression parameters. If the process is a pure container change, image quality remains identical.

Are EXIF metadata and Live Photo data preserved after conversion?

In most cases, core EXIF metadata (like date, camera model, orientation) is preserved during conversion, but some fields or maker notes may be stripped or altered; similarly, Live Photo pairs (image + motion/audio) are typically not preserved when converting to standard formats (e.g., JPEG or PNG), resulting in a still image only—retain Live Photo data by exporting to formats that support it or by keeping the original files.

Does converting HEIF to HEIC change the file size significantly?

Generally, converting HEIF to HEIC does not change the file size significantly because both use the same HEVC (H.265) compression; any size difference usually comes from metadata, chosen compression settings (quality/bitrate), or added thumbnails and color profiles. If you keep identical quality parameters, expect sizes to be very similar; noticeable changes only occur when the converter re-encodes with different quality, bit depth, or chroma subsampling. For maximum consistency, use lossless copy or match the original quality/bitrate settings.

Is color profile (Display P3/sRGB) maintained during conversion?

Yes. When possible, we preserve the embedded ICC color profile from the source image, including Display P3 and sRGB, during conversion. This helps maintain consistent colors across devices and apps that honor profiles.

If the destination format supports profiles, we embed the existing profile or convert colors to a matching profile. If it does not, we convert colors to sRGB to minimize shifts, since sRGB is the most widely supported color space.

To maximize fidelity, start with images that include an accurate embedded profile and choose output formats that support ICC profiles (e.g., JPEG, PNG, WebP). Note that viewing apps and browsers must also support color management for results to match.

Can I batch convert multiple HEIF images to HEIC at once?

Yes, you can batch convert multiple HEIF images to the HEIC format at once using tools that support bulk processing. Many online converters and desktop apps let you upload or select a whole folder, then convert everything in one go to save time.

On desktop, tools like ImageMagick or ffmpeg (via libheif) can automate batch conversions with a single command. Ensure the output is set to .heic, choose your desired quality/compression, and apply it across all files.

Before converting, check that your device or workflow needs HEIC specifically, since HEIF is a container and may already be compatible. Keep an eye on file size, quality settings, and metadata options (EXIF/ICC) to preserve image details during batch processing.

Are transparency and depth maps retained in the HEIC output?

Yes, transparency (alpha channel) can be preserved in HEIC, provided the source image includes an alpha channel and you export using settings that retain it. Some viewers and apps may not display transparency correctly, so verify the output in a compatible viewer. If transparency is critical, choose export options that explicitly keep the alpha channel.

Depth maps are not always retained by default. HEIC supports auxiliary images like depth, but preservation depends on the encoder and settings used. To keep depth data, ensure the export tool supports auxiliary depth and that this option is enabled; otherwise, the HEIC output will contain only the color image without depth.

Is HEIC compatible with my device and apps after conversion?

After conversion, compatibility depends on the output format. Converting HEIC to JPG/JPEG ensures near-universal support across iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and most web apps. PNG is also widely supported, especially for apps that need transparency. If you choose WEBP, modern browsers and many apps will work, but some older software may not.

For best results, pick the format that matches your target device or app: JPG for maximum compatibility and smaller files, PNG for lossless quality/transparency, and WEBP for a balance of quality and size in modern environments. After converting, your files should open, edit, and share normally in most photo viewers, editors, and social media platforms.