HEIF File Extension

What is HEIF file?

HEIF filename suffix is mostly used for High Efficiency Image Format Format files. Files with HEIF extension may be used by programs distributed for Mac OS, Windows platform. HEIF file belongs to the Raster Image Files category just like 522 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular program for handling HEIF files is Zoner Photo Studio, but users can choose among 4 different programs that support this file format. Software named Zoner Photo Studio was created by ZONER, Inc.. In order to find more detailed information on the software and HEIF files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support HEIF file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with HEIF files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with HEIF suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 12/12/2021

How to open file with HEIF extension?

Being unable to open files with HEIF extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with HEIF files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with HEIF files.

Step 1. Install Zoner Photo Studio software

Problems with opening and working with HEIF files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with HEIF files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Zoner Photo Studio or one of the recommended programs (for example, HEIC Converter, iMazing HEIC Converter, CopyTrans HEIC) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. 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. Update Zoner Photo Studio to the latest version

If you already have Zoner Photo Studio installed on your systems and HEIF files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Zoner Photo Studio installed, it may not support HEIF format. 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. Associate High Efficiency Image Format Format files with Zoner Photo Studio

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate HEIF files with latest version of Zoner Photo Studio you have installed on your device. 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 HEIF file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Zoner Photo Studio is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open HEIF files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected HEIF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Zoner Photo Studio and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with HEIF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the HEIF file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper HEIF file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the HEIF file for viruses or malware

If the HEIF is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the HEIF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the HEIF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic HEIF file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with HEIF extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

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 Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Zoner Photo Studio

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with High Efficiency Image Format Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with HEIF files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the HEIF file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on HEIF file.