Understanding and Converting HEIC Photo and Video Files
In 2017, Apple introduced the HEIC, or High Efficiency Image Container format for photos and videos. This format was designed to reduce the storage space consumed by image and video files on iPhones and other Apple devices. HEIC files often require less than half the storage space compared to traditional JPG or JPEG files.
These files are compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, allowing you to view them without needing any additional software.
The HEIC format is also compatible with popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Additionally, picture frames like Aura support the format.
However, challenges can arise when trying to use HEIC pictures and videos outside the Apple ecosystem as they may not be compatible with other devices or require software extensions for proper rendering on platforms like Windows computers.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage this compatibility issue by adjusting your iPhone settings to save your picture and videos in more common formats or by converting existing HEIC files. Here’s what you need to know:
Most Compatible iPhone Camera Setting
To ensure future photos and videos are saved in a broader compatibility format, consider changing your iPhone’s camera settings.
Here’s how to do this:
- Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
- Select Camera from the options. Based on your iPhone’s criteria, you might need to scroll down.
- Tap on Formats.
- Select Most Compatible.
Keep in mind that this setting will only apply to new images and videos. To address past images and videos, you’ll need to convert them.
Various options exist, including converting things within the Apple Photos app on a Mac.
Converting HEIC Photos on a Mac Using Apple Photos
You can readily convert HEIC photos and videos into other formats directly using the Apple Photos app on your Mac.
You will want to keep your photos and videos organized by type. Here’s a guide specific to photos:
- Open the Photos app on your Mac
.
- Select the photos you wish to convert
- Go to the File menu and choose Export.
- From the submenu, click Export (number) Photos. The number in this step will reflect how many photos you’ve selected.
- From the drop-down menu, choose Photo Kind. Your options for formats are JPG, TIFF, or PNG.
- Select your preferred method for incorporating metadata for your pictures, like location information. Leave it as the default provided the photo was taken using an iPhone or iPad.
- Choose to Use File Name for naming the converted photos, or select your chosen method of naming them
- click the Export button.
- Select the Export button
- Start by opening the Photos app on your Mac.
- Select the videos you want to convert.
- Go to the File menu and select Export.
- Select the desired export quality. Your options are 480p, 720p, 1080p, or 4K.
Choose the best quality for sharing or archiving.
Without invading anyone’s privacy, if you want to use metadata like location information from your videos beyond what is already set in the Apple Photos Library.
- Select Export.
- Select a folder on your Mac or your preferred storage device.
Your Marathon
”
In addition to the File menu, you can use
p>
If these decoding methods don’t work for your specific needs, severalonline services are available that convert HEIC files to JPG and other formats if you don’
t have access to a Mac. Simply search for “convert HEIC to JPG,
replacing “JPG” with your desired format
What are some strategies for sharing HEIC photos with non-Apple users?
## Interview: Understanding and Converting HEIC Files
**Host:** Today we’re discussing HEIC, Apple’s image and video format, and how to manage its compatibility outside of the Apple ecosystem. Joining us is tech expert Sarah Lee. Welcome, Sarah!
**Sarah:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** For our viewers who may not be familiar, could you explain what HEIC is and why Apple uses it?
**Sarah:** HEIC, or High Efficiency Image Container, is a format Apple introduced in 2017.
It’s designed to save space – think of it like a compact way to store photos and videos. HEIC files can be half the size of traditional JPGs without sacrificing quality. [[1](https://onlineheicconvert.com/)]
**Host:** That sounds great for Apple devices, but what about when you want to share those photos with someone who doesn’t use Apple products?
**Sarah:** That’s where compatibility can be tricky. While HEIC is gaining traction, it’s not universally supported. You might encounter problems opening them on Windows computers or sharing them with people who don’t have the right software.
**Host:** Are there ways to work around this?
**Sarah:** Definitely! The easiest solution is to change your iPhone’s camera settings. Go to Settings, then Camera, and select Formats. Choose “Most Compatible” and from then on, your new photos and videos will save in formats like JPG that are recognized everywhere. [[1](https://onlineheicconvert.com/)]
**Host:** But what about those photos and videos already saved as HEIC?
**Sarah:** You’ll need to convert them. If you use a Mac, the Photos app has a simple export feature that lets you choose JPEG or other formats. There are also online converters available, like the one mentioned in our resources, if you’re not using Apple devices. [[1](https://onlineheicconvert.com/)]
**Host:** Excellent advice, Sarah! Thanks for shedding some light on HEIC and its compatibility solutions. This will be helpful for anyone navigating the world of digital images.
**Sarah:** My pleasure!
Next, choose the location you would like to save your converted pictures to.
This could be a folder on your Mac or another storage device like a USB drive or SD card.
to complete the conversion process.
あと
By following these steps, your photos will be saved in a widely compatible format.
Converting HEIC Videos on a Mac Using Apple Photos
You can use the same process as keeping things separate from pictures.