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      What are HEIC photo files, how do I open them in Windows and how do I change my iPhone or iPad to save photos as a JPG instead?

      iPhones and iPads and some other devices have a High Efficiency option to save photos as a HEIC files.

      Contents

      What are HEIF, HEIC and HEVC files?

      • HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format): A modern image format with better compression and quality than JPEG.
      • HEIC (High Efficiency Image Coding): A HEIF variant using HEVC compression, used by Apple for photos.
      • HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding): A video compression standard (H.265) that reduces file size while maintaining quality.

      How to view HEIC files in Windows

      Diocesan Windows computers have the HEIF Image Extension installed to enable you to view HEIC files in the Photos and Paint apps.

      If the HEIC file doesn't open:

      1. Right-click the HEIC file
      2. Open with
      3. Choose another app
      4. Select Photos or Paint
      5. Select Always to always open HEIC files in that applicationMicrosoft-IntuneCompanyPortal-png

        Further troubleshooting:

        1. Go to the Company Portal app
        2. Under apps search for HEIF Image Extension and select
        3. Select Install or reinstall

        How to change your iPhone or iPad camera app to save photos as JPGs or HEICs by default

        apple_settings-png-1
        1. Open the Settings app
        2. Scroll down and select Camera
        3. Select Formats
        4. Select the format you'd like to use:
          1. High Efficiency = HEIC
          2. Most Compatible = JPG

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