HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's modern image format used on iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or later. It offers better compression than JPEG while maintaining higher image quality, allowing more photos to be stored in less space. However, this format isn't universally supported outside the Apple ecosystem, which is why our converter is essential for sharing and viewing these images.

Can HEIC be converted to JPG?

Yes, HEIC files can be easily converted to JPG format using our online converter which processes files directly in your browser for privacy. The conversion maintains excellent image quality while creating files that can be opened anywhere. Simply drag and drop your HEIC files, and our converter will quickly transform them into JPG format that works universally across all devices and platforms.

Why convert HEIC to JPG?

Converting HEIC to JPG ensures universal compatibility across all devices, platforms, and applications. While HEIC offers better compression, JPG is the standard format supported everywhere - from social media platforms to email services, Windows PCs to Android devices. Our browser-based converter provides the simplest way to transform your HEIC files into universally accessible JPG images without sacrificing quality.

Can HEIC files be opened on Windows?

Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files after installing additional components, but this approach has limitations and may require payment. The simplest solution is to convert HEIC files to JPG using our converter, which works on any device with a modern web browser without installing additional software. This creates standard JPG files that open perfectly on Windows and can be used with any application.

Are HEIC Files Live Photos? Understanding Apple's Image Formats

Q: Are HEIC files Live Photos?

No, HEIC files themselves are not Live Photos, but they are often part of what makes up a Live Photo on Apple devices. A Live Photo consists of both a still image (which can be stored in HEIC format) and a short video clip (stored in MOV format). When you take a Live Photo on an iPhone, the Camera app captures 1.5 seconds of video before and after you press the shutter button. The HEIC file stores the still image, while the associated MOV file contains the video portion.

The Short Answer: No, HEIC Files Are Not Live Photos

HEIC files themselves are not Live Photos, but they are often part of what makes up a Live Photo on Apple devices. A Live Photo consists of both a still image (which can be stored in HEIC format) and a short video clip (stored in MOV format).

What is a Live Photo?

A Live Photo is an Apple feature that captures 1.5 seconds of video and audio before and after you take a picture. When you view a Live Photo, you can see the movement and hear the sounds from that moment, bringing your memories to life.

How HEIC Files Relate to Live Photos

When you take a Live Photo on an iPhone (iOS 11 or later), the Camera app captures:

A still image - This is typically stored in HEIC format on newer devices
A short video clip - This is stored as a MOV file

These two components are linked together to create the Live Photo experience. The HEIC file serves as the still image component, while the MOV file contains the motion and sound.

So while HEIC files can be part of Live Photos, not all HEIC files are Live Photos. Regular photos taken on newer iPhones are also stored in HEIC format by default.

The Technical Structure of Live Photos

Behind the scenes, a Live Photo is actually a bundle of files that includes:

A high-resolution still image (HEIC format on newer devices, JPEG on older ones)
A video file (MOV format) containing the 3-second clip (1.5 seconds before and after the photo was taken)
Metadata that links these components together

When you view a Live Photo in the Photos app, you're seeing the still image by default. When you press and hold on the image, the app plays the video component, creating the "living" effect.

On an iPhone, press and hold on a Live Photo to see the motion and hear the sound.

Converting Live Photos and HEIC Files

When you convert a Live Photo to share it with non-Apple users or platforms, you need to understand what happens to both components:

Converting the Still Image Component

If you convert just the HEIC still image from a Live Photo to JPG format (using our HEIC to JPG converter), you'll get a standard still image without the motion component. This is useful when you want to share just the photo part of a Live Photo with services or devices that don't support HEIC.

Preserving the Live Photo Experience

To preserve the full Live Photo experience when sharing:

When sharing with other Apple users, use AirDrop, iMessage, or iCloud Photo Sharing to maintain the Live Photo functionality
When sharing on social media, some platforms like Facebook and Instagram support uploading Live Photos as short videos or Boomerangs
To share with non-Apple users, you can export the Live Photo as a video or GIF using third-party apps

Common Questions About HEIC Files and Live Photos

Can I tell if a HEIC file is part of a Live Photo?

In the Photos app on iOS or macOS, Live Photos are marked with the "LIVE" indicator in the top-left corner of the thumbnail. When viewing a photo, you'll see the "LIVE" badge at the top of the screen.

Do all HEIC files take up more space than regular photos?

No, regular (non-Live) HEIC files actually take up less space than equivalent JPEG files. However, Live Photos (which may include HEIC files) do take up more space than standard still photos because they include both the still image and a video component.

Can I convert a regular HEIC file to a Live Photo?

No, you cannot convert a standard HEIC file into a Live Photo after the fact. Live Photos must be captured using the Live Photo feature in the Camera app at the time the photo is taken.

Conclusion: HEIC Files vs. Live Photos

To summarize:

HEIC files are a file format for still images that Apple uses as the default on newer devices
Live Photos are a feature that combines a still image (which may be in HEIC format) with a short video clip
Not all HEIC files are part of Live Photos, but the still image component of Live Photos on newer devices is typically stored in HEIC format

Understanding this distinction can help you better manage, convert, and share your photos across different platforms and with different users.

If you need to convert HEIC files (whether they're from Live Photos or regular photos) to the more widely compatible JPG format, our free online HEIC to JPG converter makes the process quick and easy, with no software to install and complete privacy since all conversion happens directly in your browser.