What is HEIC and will it replace JPG?

The HEIC is the default photo format on the latest Apple devices, like iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc. It can produce better image quality with a smaller file size. However, JPG is still widely used on the internet and digital devices.

Why is my photo HEIC?

This is usually because Apple saves iPhone photos in HEIC format to save space, but that format isn't widely supported by other devices. Don't worry, it's easy to make your iPhone save photos in JPG. You can set the photo format in the Settings app. Or you can click here to find solutions to open HEIC photos .

Do I need the HEIF image extension?

You can open and view HEIC images on Windows 10 (version 1803 and later). If you cannot view HEICs on Windows 10, search for HEIF Image Extension from Microsoft Store and install it. However, this extension is not available to Windows 8/8.1 or earlier. You have to convert HEIC to JPG to open them on PCs.

5 Best HEIC Viewers Worth You to Use on Opening and Viewing HEIC

Posted by Theodore TongJanuary 21, 2022 09:53

Although HEIC is the native photo format on iOS 11 and later, it is still not widely used in the ecosystem outside of Apple devices. For example, it is not very easy to open, view, and manage HEIC images on Windows due to the lack of HEIF codec support. A HEIC viewer program can help you to browse and organize iPhone photos on a PC intuitively. This article identifies and shares you with a top list below.

HEIC Viewer

Part 1: Top 5 HEIC Viewers
Part 2: FAQs about HEIC Viewer

Part 1: Top 5 HEIC Viewers

Top 1: HEIF Utility

System Requirement: Windows 10 (64 bit)/8/7

As its name indicated, HEIF Utility is a free HEIC viewer for PCs. As an open-source project, it allows you to open and browser iPhone images on Windows with ease. The clear interface makes it a good choice for beginners and average people.

Pros
1. Easy to use.
2. View HEIC images with EXIF data.
3. Convert HEIC photos to JPG format.
4. Completely free of charge.

Cons
1. It has not been updated for Windows 11.
2. It cannot keep the metadata when converting HEIC.

Top 2: Photos App on Windows 10

System Requirement: Windows 10 1809 update/11

Microsoft added the Photos app into Windows 10 and later so that users can manage their images easily. Since Windows 10 1809 update, the Photos app can work as a HEIC viewer without extra codec or software. Moreover, it provides basic photo editing features, like rotate, crop, and more.

Pros
1. View HEIC without installing.
2. View HEIC without installing.
3. Edit your iPhone photos easily.
4. Transfer HEIC images from iPhone to PC.

Cons
1. It cannot convert HEIC images.
2. It is not available to older systems.

Top 3: XnView

System Requirement: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista

XnView is another HEIC viewer for Windows users. Compared to other HEIC viewers, it provides you with countless ways to manage and browse your iPhone photo collection. The slideshow mode, for example, is useful when you are busy.

Pros
1. Equip an intuitive interface.
2. Include a powerful HEIC editor too.
3. Support Photoshop plugins.
4. Automatic play HEIC images in a slideshow..

Cons
1. The installer is a little confusing.
2. This HEIC viewer requires a lot of space.

Top 4: Google Photos

System Requirement: Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista

Google Photos is far more than a simple HEIC viewer. It allows you to back up iPhone photos and open them on a computer directly. Moreover, you can edit and correct your HEIC images online. The built-in AI technology organizes your photos according to the content. Moreover, you can use Google Photos to convert HEIC to JPG.

Pros
1. Back up and transfer HEIC photos.
2. View HEIC images on PCs without converting.
3. Offer free storage.
4. Edit HEIC images for free.

Cons
1. 1.The free storage is limited.
2. 2.It requires a good internet connection.

Top 5: Dropbox

System Requirement: Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista

Dropbox is another HEIC viewer for Windows and Android users. If you back up your iPhone photos with this cloud service, you can view your HEICs on a PC directly. Moreover, it allows you to convert HEIC to JPG when downloading photos.

Pros
1. Open and browse HEICs on PC easily.
2. Available to a wide range of devices.
3. Convert HEIC to JPG.

Cons
1. It is not a free service.
2. It lacks AI recognition.

Recommend: Best HEIC Converter

Can you view HEIC images without a HEIC viewer? The answer is yes and Apeaksoft Free HEIC Converter can meet your need. It transforms your iPhone photos into JPEG or PNG format so that you can view them anywhere.

Apeaksoft Free HEIC Converter – Best HEIC Converter

6,200,000+ Downloads

Convert HEIC images to popular photo formats.

Batch process hundreds of HEIC pictures at one time.

Keep the EXIF data while converting.

Enhance the photo quality automatically.

Free Download Free Download

Part 2: FAQs about HEIC Viewer

Why cannot I open HEIC images on Windows 10?

Microsoft added the support for HEIC images into Windows 10 1809 update. For earlier versions, you have to install the HEIF Image Extension from Microsoft Store to open iPhone photos. You can click here to learn more details to open HEIC images.

Can VLC open HEIC?

No. VLC is a video player. Although it supports a wide range of video and audio formats, it cannot open HEIC images. If you create a movie or video slideshow with HEIC, VLC might open it.

What does HEIC stand for?

HEIC is the file extension of HEIF images. HEIF stands for High Efficiency Image Format. It is the native photo format on the latest iPhones and iPads.

Conclusion

Now, you should master at least the top 5 best HEIC viewers for PC users to open, view, and manage their iPhone photos easily. Some of them are completely free of charge, but others require some kind of payment. You can pick an appropriate tool according to your need. Have more questions? Please let us know by leaving a message below this post.