Compress HEIC Images Online
Compress and convert HEIC/HEIF photos from your iPhone or iPad. Free, fast, and 100% private — your photos never leave your device.
Drop images here or click to upload
HEIC — up to 50MB each
Compress and convert HEIC/HEIF images
Convert HEIC to JPG, PNG, or WebP
Batch process multiple HEIC files
Adjustable quality for optimal file size
Preserves image quality during conversion
100% client-side — photos never leave your device
No app installation required — works in any browser
One of the few online tools supporting HEIC
Understanding HEIC/HEIF Compression
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a file format based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard, adopted by Apple as the default photo format starting with iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. It uses the HEVC (H.265) video codec for image compression, which is why it achieves dramatically better compression than JPEG.
How HEIC Compression Works
HEVC-based image compression leverages advanced techniques from video coding. It uses variable block sizes (from 4×4 to 64×64 pixels, compared to JPEG's fixed 8×8), 35 intra-prediction modes (vs. JPEG's none), and more efficient transform and entropy coding. These advances allow HEIC to maintain the same visual quality as JPEG at roughly half the file size.
HEIC also supports features that JPEG cannot: 16-bit color depth, transparency, image sequences (Live Photos, burst shots), depth maps, and auxiliary images like thumbnails and alpha masks — all within a single file.
The HEIC Compatibility Problem
Despite its technical superiority, HEIC faces a significant compatibility challenge. While Apple devices create HEIC files by default, Windows, many Android devices, web browsers, and most web platforms don't natively support HEIC. This means you often need to convert HEIC to a universally supported format like JPG or WebP before sharing or uploading.
Compresso is one of the few online tools that supports HEIC compression and conversion. Most competitors like TinyPNG, Squoosh, and iLoveIMG don't handle HEIC files — making Compresso the go-to solution for iPhone and iPad users.
When to Convert HEIC
- Sharing via email or messaging — convert to JPG for universal compatibility
- Uploading to websites — convert to WebP for best web compression
- Printing services — most print services require JPG or PNG
- Social media — while some platforms accept HEIC, JPG ensures compatibility
- Cross-platform workflows — when collaborating with Windows or Android users
Your Privacy Is Paramount
Phone photos are among the most sensitive files you own — they contain GPS coordinates, timestamps, facial recognition data, and intimate moments. Compresso never uploads your photos anywhere. All HEIC decoding and compression happens locally in your browser. When you close the tab, the data is gone. No server, no cloud, no risk.
Related Tools
- Convert HEIC to JPG — dedicated HEIC-to-JPG converter
- Compress JPG — after converting HEIC to JPG
- Compress WebP — modern web format
- Compress PNG — for lossless output with transparency
- Bulk Compress — process hundreds of photos at once
- Compress for Email — optimize photos for email attachments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEIC format?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11. It uses the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard with HEVC compression, producing files roughly 50% smaller than equivalent quality JPEGs while supporting advanced features like depth maps, Live Photos, and HDR.
Why can't I open HEIC files on Windows?
Windows doesn't natively support HEIC without installing the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Compresso solves this by converting HEIC to universally supported formats like JPG or PNG right in your browser.
Does compressing HEIC reduce photo quality?
When converting HEIC to JPG or WebP, you control the quality slider. At 80-85% quality, compressed images are virtually indistinguishable from the original. The conversion process itself preserves all visual detail.
Can I batch convert HEIC to JPG?
Yes! Upload multiple HEIC files at once, choose JPG as the output format, and compress them all simultaneously. Download individually or as a ZIP archive.
Is it safe to upload HEIC photos to Compresso?
Your photos are never uploaded anywhere. Compresso processes HEIC files entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. This is critical for phone photos, which often contain GPS location data, facial recognition metadata, and other sensitive information.
Why do most online compressors not support HEIC?
HEIC decoding is computationally complex and requires specialized codecs. Most server-based tools haven't invested in HEIC support. Compresso uses the browser's built-in media capabilities and WebAssembly to decode HEIC locally.
Should I convert HEIC to JPG or WebP?
For sharing via email or messaging, JPG is the safest choice — it works everywhere. For web use, WebP offers 25-35% smaller files. For preserving transparency, choose PNG.
How much smaller are HEIC files than JPG?
HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than equivalent quality JPGs. However, since HEIC isn't universally supported, you may need to convert to JPG or WebP for sharing or web use.
Last updated: March 2026