Convert HEIC Files on Mac
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is an image format using the .heic and .heif extensions. Consul converts HEIC files to 29 other formats, and 40 formats to HEIC. Rename a file's extension in Finder and Consul handles the conversion automatically.
What is HEIC?
HEIC has been the default photo format on iPhone and iPad since iOS 11 (2017). It stores images in the HEIF container compressed with the HEVC (H.265) codec, producing files roughly half the size of an equivalent JPEG. Support outside the Apple ecosystem is still patchy, which is why HEIC photos are so often converted to JPEG or PNG before sharing.
HEIC uses lossy compression: encoders permanently discard some detail to keep files small. Converting to a lossless format later preserves the file exactly as it is now, but that discarded detail doesn't come back. It supports transparency. Files can carry EXIF/XMP metadata.
HEIC was developed by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group).
Opening HEIC files on a Mac
Quick Look previews HEIC files. Select one in Finder and press Space. Preview opens HEIC files. For a one-off conversion, Preview can also export HEIC to JPEG, PNG, TIFF and PDF.
Consul supports 69 conversions for HEIC
Consul is the easiest way to convert HEIC files on your Mac, or to turn other files into HEIC. Rename file.heic to change its extension, and Consul converts it automatically.