HEIC File Extension

What is HEIC file?

Full format name of files that use HEIC extension is High Efficiency Image Format. Moving Picture Experts Group defined the High Efficiency Image Format format standard. HEIC file format is compatible with software that can be installed on iOS, Mac OS, Windows system platform. HEIC file format, along with 522 other file formats, belongs to the Raster Image Files category. Zoner Photo Studio supports HEIC files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 7 other tools may also be used. On the official website of ZONER, Inc. developer not only will you find detailed information about theZoner Photo Studio software, but also about HEIC and other supported file formats.

Programs which support HEIC file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open HEIC files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. HEIC files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 07/04/2020

How to open file with HEIC extension?

Problems with accessing HEIC may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with HEIC files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Zoner Photo Studio software

Problems with opening and working with HEIC files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with HEIC files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Zoner Photo Studio or one of the recommended programs (for example, XnView MP, HEIC Converter, iMazing HEIC Converter) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Zoner Photo Studio installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit ZONER, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Zoner Photo Studio and update if needed

If the problems with opening HEIC files still occur even after installing Zoner Photo Studio, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Zoner Photo Studio is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Zoner Photo Studio cannot handle files with HEIC may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Zoner Photo Studio is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open HEIC files to Zoner Photo Studio

After installing Zoner Photo Studio (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open HEIC files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the HEIC file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Zoner Photo Studio installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open HEIC files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the HEIC file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with HEIC extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the HEIC is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the HEIC file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the HEIC in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the HEIC is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. HEIC file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with HEIC extension is complete and error-free

If the HEIC file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with HEIC extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the High Efficiency Image Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Zoner Photo Studio

If the systems has insufficient resources to open HEIC files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with High Efficiency Image Format files. It may be the case that the HEIC files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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