noun

HEIC

HAY-ik

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HEIC (noun) means an image format used by default on recent iPhones and iPads, which stores photographs at a similar quality to JPEG in roughly half the file size, and can hold several images in one file. Example: “The photos came off her iPhone as HEIC and the old laptop refused to open them.”

noun

An image format used by default on recent iPhones and iPads, which stores photographs at a similar quality to JPEG in roughly half the file size, and can hold several images in one file.

"The photos came off her iPhone as HEIC and the old laptop refused to open them."

"You can set the camera to save JPEG instead of HEIC in the settings."

An individual photograph saved in that format.

"He converted the HEICs to JPEG before sending them to the printers."

How to use HEIC

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe photo file iPhones normally save, smaller than a regular photo file but not readable everywhere.

When to use it

Everyday word mainly among iPhone users; written in capitals. The file extension is the lower-case .heic.

Memory tip

HEIC is the extension, HEIF the format — you will see both used for the same photos.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

HEIF JPEG → AVIF Live Photo

Common pairings

convert HEIC to JPEG HEIC photos open a HEIC file

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The photos came off her iPhone as _____ and the old laptop refused to open them.

Etymology

An initialism of High Efficiency Image Container, the file extension used for images stored in the HEIF format.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

HEIF image image format photo format

Related words

JPEG PNG WebP

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between HEIC and HEIF?

HEIF is the underlying format for storing images and image sequences. HEIC is the file extension used for HEIF files whose pictures are compressed with the HEVC codec, which is what Apple devices produce. In everyday speech people use the two names for the same kind of photo.

What is the difference between HEIC and JPEG?

HEIC generally reaches similar picture quality to JPEG at around half the file size, and it can store extras such as depth information, transparency and multiple frames in one file. JPEG is far more widely supported, so HEIC photos sometimes have to be converted before older software, websites or printers will accept them.

Why won't a HEIC file open on Windows?

Support is not universal because the format is newer and its codec is subject to patent licensing. Recent versions of Windows can open HEIC once the relevant extension is installed, and many photo tools now handle it, but older systems will need the file converted to JPEG.

What is the meaning of HEIC?

"HEIC" (noun) means an image format used by default on recent iPhones and iPads, which stores photographs at a similar quality to JPEG in roughly half the file size, and can hold several images in one file.

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JPEG PNG WebP