¿Qué es HEIC?

Descubre qué es HEIC, su funcionamiento y por qué Apple lo usa en fotos del iPhone. Aprende sobre compresión, compatibilidad y conversión de archivos HEIC.

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HEIC

¿Qué es HEIC?

HEIC (Contenedor de Imágenes de Alta Eficiencia) es un formato de imagen moderno desarrollado por Apple que utiliza compresión HEVC para almacenar fotos a aproximadamente la mitad del tamaño del archivo de JPG, manteniendo una calidad de imagen superior.

Última actualización:

Year2017
TypeCon pérdida
UsageDispositivos Apple

What is it?

HEIC (Contenedor de Imágenes de Alta Eficiencia) es un formato de imagen moderno desarrollado por Apple que utiliza compresión HEVC para almacenar fotos a aproximadamente la mitad del tamaño del archivo de JPG, manteniendo una calidad de imagen superior.

Comprender HEIC te ayuda a elegir el formato adecuado para tus necesidades y flujo de trabajo específicos.

Technical Specifications

DeveloperMPEG / Apple
File Extension.heic /.heif
CompressionHEVC (H.265) - lossy
Color DepthUp to 16-bit per channel
TransparencyYes (alpha channel)
HDR SupportYes
Multi-frameYes (Live Photos, burst)
MIME Typeimage/heic

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Compresión Superior

HEIC files are typically 50% smaller than equivalent JPG files while maintaining the same perceived quality.

Mejor Calidad

Supports 16-bit color depth compared to JPG's 8-bit, resulting in smoother gradients and better HDR.

Almacenamiento de Múltiples Fotogramas

A single HEIC file can store multiple images, making it perfect for Live Photos and burst shots.

Opción Sin Pérdida

Can store images with lossless compression when needed, unlike standard JPG.

Disadvantages

Compatibilidad Limitada

Not natively supported on Windows without additional codecs, and many older apps cannot read HEIC.

Céntrico en Apple

Primarily used by Apple devices, creating friction when sharing files with non-Apple users.

Falta Soporte Web

Most web browsers and online services do not accept HEIC uploads directly.

Conversión Requerida

Sharing with non-Apple users almost always requires converting to JPG first.

When to Use It

Aquí están los escenarios más comunes donde HEIC es la opción correcta:

Fotografía de iPhone

Default format for all photos taken on iPhone and iPad since iOS 11.

Almacenamiento en iCloud

Saves iCloud storage space by keeping original HEIC files on Apple devices.

Flujos de Trabajo Profesionales de Apple

Photographers working exclusively in Apple ecosystems benefit from the reduced storage.

Fotos en Vivo

Efficiently stores the short video clip and still image of Apple's Live Photos feature.

How to open a HEIC file

HEIC files, a modern image format used primarily by Apple devices, require specialized software for viewing and editing. There are several categories of tools available, including professional software for advanced editing, free and open-source options for casual users, browser-based tools for quick access, and built-in applications on various operating systems. Each category caters to different user needs, from professional photographers requiring high fidelity to everyday users needing simple viewing capabilities.

When choosing software for HEIC, several factors come into play, including feature fidelity, whether the tool is primarily for viewing or editing, cost, and platform compatibility. Users should consider their export needs, as not all applications support saving in multiple formats. In some cases, converting HEIC files to more widely supported formats may be necessary, especially for compatibility with older systems or software.

Adobe Photoshop 2023

Windows, macOSSubscription

Adobe Photoshop is a leading professional image editing software that supports HEIC files natively. It allows users to open, edit, and save HEIC images while maintaining high fidelity and extensive editing capabilities.

Funciones clave
  • Advanced layer and mask editing
  • Support for 16-bit color depth
  • Extensive filter and adjustment options
  • Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Batch processing capabilities
Fortalezas
  • Industry-standard editing tools
  • High fidelity for professional use
  • Comprehensive format support
Limitaciones
  • Subscription model can be expensive
  • Steep learning curve for beginners

Exporta a: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PSD, PDF

Ideal para: Choose Adobe Photoshop for professional-grade HEIC editing and extensive features.

Visitar Adobe Photoshop →

IrfanView 4.60

WindowsFree (donationware)

IrfanView is a lightweight image viewer that supports HEIC files through an additional plugin. It is ideal for users who need a quick and simple way to view HEIC images without extensive editing capabilities.

Funciones clave
  • Basic editing tools like cropping and resizing
  • Batch conversion of image formats
  • Slideshow creation functionality
  • Support for a wide range of formats
  • Fast image loading and navigation
Fortalezas
  • Lightweight and fast performance
  • Free with optional donations
  • Easy to use for quick viewing
Limitaciones
  • Limited editing features
  • Requires plugin for HEIC support

Exporta a: JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF, GIF

Ideal para: IrfanView is perfect for users seeking a free, fast viewer for HEIC files.

Visitar IrfanView →

HEIC to JPG Converter 2023

All (browser)Free / Paid

HEIC to JPG Converter is a straightforward online tool designed specifically for converting HEIC files to JPG format. It is useful for users who need to quickly convert images without installing software.

Funciones clave
  • Batch conversion of multiple HEIC files
  • Simple drag-and-drop interface
  • No software installation required
  • Fast conversion speeds
  • Supports various image resolutions
Fortalezas
  • Convenient for quick conversions
  • No installation needed
  • User-friendly interface
Limitaciones
  • Limited to conversion only
  • Dependent on internet connection

Exporta a: JPG, PNG

Ideal para: Use HEIC to JPG Converter for quick, hassle-free HEIC file conversions online.

Visitar HEIC to JPG Converter →

Apple Preview macOS Ventura

macOSBuilt-in

Apple Preview is a built-in application on macOS that allows users to view and perform basic edits on HEIC files. It provides a seamless experience for Mac users working with HEIC images directly from their devices.

Funciones clave
  • Basic editing tools like cropping and annotating
  • Support for viewing multiple image formats
  • Integration with macOS features
  • Export options for various formats
  • Fast and lightweight performance
Fortalezas
  • No additional cost for Mac users
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Direct integration with macOS
Limitaciones
  • Limited advanced editing features
  • Only available on macOS

Exporta a: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PDF

Ideal para: Apple Preview is ideal for Mac users needing a simple, built-in solution for HEIC files.

Visitar Apple Preview →

Convierte Archivos HEIC en Línea - Gratis

Comprime, convierte u optimiza tus archivos HEIC al instante. Sin software que instalar, sin registro requerido.

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Referencias

  1. HEIF / HEIC specification - Nokia Technologies
  2. Image file type and format guide - MDN Web Docs
  3. High Efficiency Image File Format, HEIC/HEIX brands - Library of Congress
  4. ISO/IEC 23008-12:2017 Image File Format - ISO
  5. High Efficiency Image File Format - Wikipedia