Have you ever received a photo file with the extension .heic and wondered how to open it? HEIC files are a relatively new image format that Apple introduced in 2017. They are commonly used on iPhones and iPads and can be a bit tricky to open on other devices. In this article, we’ll go over how to open .heic files on your computer or mobile device.
Opening .HEIC Files on a Windows PC
If you have a Windows PC, you might run into some issues when trying to open .heic files. This is because Windows doesn’t natively support the format. However, there are a few ways you can still view your .heic photos:
Option 1: Convert the File
You can use a free online converter like HEICtoJPEG to convert your .heic file to a more widely supported format like JPEG. Once you’ve converted the file, you should be able to open it with any image viewer on your PC.
Option 2: Use a Third-Party App
Another option is to download a third-party app that can open .heic files. Some popular options include IrfanView, CopyTrans HEIC for Windows, and Apowersoft Photo Viewer. These apps will allow you to view your .heic files without having to convert them.
Opening .HEIC Files on a Mac
If you have a Mac, opening .heic files is much easier. This is because Apple natively supports the format. Here’s how to open .heic files on a Mac:
Option 1: Preview
You can simply double-click on the .heic file, and it should open in Preview, the default image viewer on Macs. If it doesn’t, you can right-click on the file, select “Open With,” and choose Preview.
Option 2: Photos
If you have the Photos app on your Mac, you can also open .heic files in that. Simply drag and drop the file into the Photos app, and it should open up.
Opening .HEIC Files on an iPhone or iPad
If you’re trying to open a .heic file on your iPhone or iPad, you shouldn’t have any issues. This is because Apple uses the format for their own photos. Here’s how to open .heic files on an iPhone or iPad:
Option 1: Photos App
You can simply open the Photos app on your device, and the .heic file should be there. You can view it just like any other photo.
Option 2: AirDrop
If you’re trying to share the .heic file with someone else, you can use AirDrop. Simply select the file in your Photos app, tap the share icon, and select the person you want to send it to via AirDrop.
FAQs
Q: Why can’t I open .heic files on my Windows PC?
A: Windows doesn’t natively support the .heic format. You’ll need to either convert the file to a more widely supported format or use a third-party app to view it.
Q: Can I open .heic files on a non-Apple device?
A: Yes, you can. You’ll just need to use a third-party app or convert the file to a more widely supported format.
Q: Do I need special software to open .heic files on my Mac?
A: No, you don’t. Macs natively support the .heic format, so you should be able to open the file in Preview or Photos.
Q: Can I edit .heic files?
A: Yes, you can. Most image editors, including Photoshop and Lightroom, support the .heic format.
Conclusion
Opening .heic files can be a bit challenging if you’re not using an Apple device. However, with the right tools, it’s easy to view and edit your .heic photos. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, or iPad, there are several options available to help you open .heic files.