Image to HEIC Converter: Turn JPG, PNG and WebP into Compact HEIC Photos
Last updated November 3, 2026 · Built and maintained by the ImageFix team · Uses the WebCodecs API and your device's HEVC encoder
This image to HEIC converter turns JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, AVIF and BMP files into HEIC, the compact photo format Apple devices use by default. You can convert one image or a whole batch, then download each file or a single ZIP.
Most HEIC converters upload your pictures to a server. This tool does not. It decodes your image in the browser and asks your own device's HEVC encoder to compress it, so your photos stay on your device. Because browsers have no built-in HEIC encoder, the tool first checks whether your device offers one and tells you plainly.
How to Convert an Image to HEIC
- Check device support. Open the tool. A banner confirms whether your browser and device can encode HEIC.
- Add your images. Drag JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, AVIF or BMP files onto the drop zone, click to browse, or paste with Ctrl+V.
- Choose the options. Set the quality, an optional maximum size, and the background color used for transparent areas.
- Convert. Click Convert All to HEIC. The tool converts each image on your device and shows the new file size.
- Download. Download one file at a time or everything as a ZIP.
How the Conversion Works
A HEIC file is a still picture compressed with HEVC (H.265) inside a HEIF container. The tool builds one in three steps.
- Decode and resize. The browser decodes your image, applies its orientation, fills any transparency with your background color and scales it if needed.
- Encode with HEVC. The tool hands one frame to the WebCodecs VideoEncoder, which uses your device's HEVC encoder to compress it as a key frame.
- Wrap in HEIF. The tool writes the container boxes that describe the image (its size, codec settings and color information) and stores the HEVC data in them. The result is a standard
.heic file.
Why Your Browser May Not Support HEIC Encoding
Browsers decode many formats but rarely encode HEVC, because HEVC is covered by patent pools and the best-known open-source encoder uses the GPL license. Browsers therefore expose only the encoder the operating system or hardware already provides. Chrome added HEVC encoding to WebCodecs in version 130 for Windows, macOS and Android, and it requires supported hardware. Other browsers and Linux setups may not offer it.
That is why the banner at the top of the tool tests your device first. If your device cannot encode HEIC, the tool says so, and you can use the All-in-One Image Converter for WebP, AVIF, JPG or PNG instead.
HEIC vs JPG vs WebP vs AVIF
| Format | Typical strength | Where it works best |
|---|
| HEIC | Often about half the size of a JPG at similar quality; 8–16 bit color | Apple devices, photo libraries and storage savings |
| JPG | Works everywhere; larger files | Sharing, email and universal compatibility |
| WebP | Smaller than JPG, supports transparency | Websites and apps |
| AVIF | Often the smallest files | Websites that want maximum compression |
| PNG | Lossless, supports transparency, large for photos | Graphics, screenshots and logos |
Pick HEIC when you want to save space in a photo library or share with Apple users. Pick WebP or AVIF for your website, because browsers display those formats widely while HEIC mainly belongs to the Apple ecosystem.
Quality, Size and Device Limits
- Quality target. The slider sets how many bits the encoder may spend per pixel. Higher values give a sharper image and a larger file. Hardware encoders treat the value as a target, so the real file size can vary; the tool shows every result.
- Maximum size. Encoders have a largest picture size. If your original is too big, the tool tries smaller sizes automatically and marks the file as resized.
- Transparency. HEIC from this tool is opaque, so transparent pixels take your background color.
- Metadata. The tool does not copy EXIF data, GPS location or timestamps, which protects your privacy.
- Re-compression. Converting a JPG to HEIC cannot restore lost detail. Keep your originals.
Can You Open the HEIC Files?
iPhones, iPads and Macs open HEIC natively. On Windows, install Microsoft's HEIF Image Extensions, and some setups also need an HEVC video extension. Many websites, forms and apps reject HEIC uploads, and browser support varies. When you need a file for the web, convert it with the Image Compressor or the All-in-One Image Converter, and check your page with the Image SEO Audit Tool.
Privacy
Your images never leave your device. The tool decodes, resizes and encodes locally, and it needs no account. The only outside request is the ZIP library, which the page loads from a public CDN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEIC?
HEIC is Apple's common name for a HEIF image file that stores its picture with the HEVC (H.265) codec. It produces photos that are often around half the size of a JPEG at similar visual quality, and iPhones have used it as the default photo format since iOS 11.
How does this image to HEIC converter work?
The tool decodes your image in the browser, then asks your device's own HEVC video encoder, through the WebCodecs API, to compress one still frame. The tool then wraps that frame in a standard HEIF container with the right metadata boxes and gives you a .heic file.
Why does the tool say my browser cannot create HEIC?
Browsers have no built-in HEIC encoder. HEVC encoding depends on the device's hardware and operating system, and the browser only exposes it when it exists. Chrome added HEVC encoding to WebCodecs in version 130 for Windows, macOS and Android with supported hardware. Firefox and many Linux setups do not offer it. The tool tests your device and tells you the result before you start.
Why not include a built-in software HEVC encoder?
The common open-source HEVC encoder is GPL-licensed, and HEVC is covered by patent pools. Shipping it inside a free web page would create licensing risk and a large download. Using the encoder that your device already provides avoids both problems and keeps your images on your device.
Does my image upload to a server?
No. The tool decodes, resizes and encodes your image locally. Nothing is uploaded, and the tool needs no account.
Will HEIC files be smaller than my JPG files?
Often, yes, but not always. The result depends on the picture, the quality setting and how your device's encoder behaves. The tool shows the size of every converted file, so you can compare it with the original.
Does converting a JPG to HEIC improve quality?
No. A JPG already lost detail when it was saved, and HEIC cannot bring it back. Converting a JPG to HEIC only helps if you want a smaller file, and the second compression pass can add a little more loss. Keep your originals.
Does the tool keep transparency?
No. This tool writes a standard opaque HEIC, so transparent areas of PNG, WebP or GIF files are filled with the background color you choose (white by default).
Does the tool keep EXIF data and location?
No. The converted HEIC contains only the picture, so camera data, GPS location and timestamps are not copied. That protects your privacy, but it also means photo apps cannot sort the file by capture date.
Is there a size limit?
Your device's encoder sets the limit. The tool tests the largest size your device supports and, if the original is too large, scales it down and tells you. You can also choose a maximum long edge in the options.
Will HEIC files open on Windows and Android?
Support varies. Apple devices open HEIC everywhere. Windows needs the HEIF Image Extensions, and some Windows setups also need an HEVC video extension. Many websites and apps reject HEIC uploads. If you publish on the web, WebP or AVIF is usually the better choice.
Should I use HEIC, WebP or AVIF for my website?
Use WebP or AVIF. Browsers display both widely, while HEIC is mainly an Apple-ecosystem format. Choose HEIC when you want to save space in a photo library or share with Apple devices.
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