Bulk Convert HEIC to PNG/ JPG

📷 What is HEIC?

HEIC stands for High-Efficiency Image Coding, a modern image format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It is designed to store images and sequences of images in a more efficient manner than traditional formats like JPEG. HEIC is particularly known for its ability to compress images without significant loss of quality, making it ideal for mobile devices and high-resolution photography.

HEIC is commonly used by Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, to store photos and videos. It is the default format for images taken with the camera on these devices since iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra.

🌁 Converting HEIC Images

The tool allows you to bulk convert multiple HEIC images to a file format of your choice. To do this you should:

1. Click on the “Choose Files” button and select the HEIC images you want to convert.
2. Select the desired output format (PNG, JPG, or GIF).
3. Press ‘Convert Files’ to start the conversion process.

💻 Converting HEIC on Mac

Most operating systems do not support converting HEIC files natively but if you are using a Mac, you can easily convert HEIC images to other formats using the built-in tools.

All you need to do is:

1. Select the HEIC files you want to convert.
2. Right click them, and select Quick Action
3. Choose the ‘Convert Image’ option.
4. Pick the file format and file size and

🤴 A Brief History of HEIC

High-Efficiency Image Coding (HEIC) is a relatively new image format introduced by Apple in 2017 with the release of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. Based on the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, HEIC is designed to be a more efficient way to store images, offering superior compression and image quality compared to older formats like JPEG.

🍎 Why Apple Uses HEIC

Apple adopted the HEIC format to take advantage of its advanced compression algorithms, which allow for smaller file sizes without compromising image quality. This is particularly beneficial for users who take a lot of photos and videos, as it helps save storage space on devices. HEIC also supports advanced features such as:

• Transparency: Similar to PNG, HEIC can store images with transparent backgrounds.
• 16-bit Color Depth: Unlike JPEG’s 8-bit color depth, HEIC supports 16-bit color, resulting in richer and more vibrant images.
• Multiple Images: HEIC can store multiple images in a single file, making it ideal for live photos, bursts, and animations.

📏 Limitations of the HEIC Format

While HEIC offers numerous advantages, it also has some limitations:

• Compatibility Issues: Not all devices and software support HEIC, making it difficult to share images with users who have non-Apple devices or older software. This often necessitates converting HEIC files to more universally supported formats like JPEG or PNG.
• Processing Power: The advanced compression algorithms used by HEIC require more processing power to encode and decode, which might be an issue on older or less powerful devices.
• Patent Licensing: HEIC is based on HEVC, which is subject to patent licensing. This can complicate adoption by other platforms and software developers due to potential licensing fees.