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HEIC vs HEVC

HEIC is an image file type; HEVC is the compression technology often used inside it. They are related, but they describe different parts of the same image file.

HEIC is the file; HEVC is the codec

The key to HEIC vs HEVC is simple: HEIC is the image file, while HEVC is a codec that can compress the image data inside it.

File format versus compression codec

A HEIC file has a container structure that can hold images and metadata. HEVC is a codec that compresses and decompresses image or video data.

Software may need to understand both the HEIC/HEIF file structure and the HEVC-coded image inside it.

HEIC vs HEVC at a glance

The two terms answer different questions.

Decision pointHEICHEVC
What is it?An image file form in the HEIF family.A compression codec, also known as H.265.
What do users see?A .heic photo file.Usually a codec or decoding requirement, not a still-photo file extension.
Why can support fail?An app may not understand the HEIC/HEIF container.An app may lack the decoder needed for HEVC-coded image data.
Which term should you use?Use HEIC when talking about the photo file.Use HEVC when talking about encoding or decoding support.

Does HEVC mean the file is a video?

No. HEVC was designed for coding video, but the same coding technology can also be used for still images inside HEIC/HEIF files. A .heic photo is still an image file.

What matters when a HEIC will not open?

You usually do not need to choose between HEIC and HEVC. Instead, check whether the app understands HEIC files and whether it has the required HEVC decoding support.

If you only need a more compatible photo, converting a copy to JPG can be simpler.

For help opening a file, check HEIC codec support, use the HEIC viewer, or make a JPG copy.

How HEIC uses HEVC

Many HEIC photos store image data compressed with HEVC. HEIC provides the file structure around that encoded image and can also carry metadata or additional image items.

Common mix-ups

  • HEIC is not another name for HEVC.
  • HEVC is not a .heic-style photo extension.
  • A HEIC file does not become JPG by renaming it.
  • A codec problem and a damaged-file problem are not the same thing.

Related HEIC guides and tools

Choose the guide or tool that matches what you want to do next.

HEIC to JPG converter

Convert a HEIC or HEIF photo to JPG for apps and sites that do not accept HEIC.

HEIC Viewer

Open HEIC or HEIF files in the browser without changing the original.

What is a HEIC file?

Learn what HEIC is, why phones use it, and when you may want another format.

HEIC codec support

Learn what a HEIC codec does and why some apps cannot open HEIC files.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common comparison questions.