Photos in HEIC format

Littlenose · 23 Nov 2023 at 09:33

This HEIC format has bugged me for a while now.
Although I know I can use an app on my macbook to export a HEIC picture to a folder as a JPG. I wonder if there is an app out there that will allow seamlessly re-format a HEIC into JPG as it's being dragged and dropped into WhatsApp or other ?

Bluecube · 23 Nov 2023 at 10:00

Drag the photo from Photos to the Desktop (Or any folder) and it’s automatically converted to a jpeg

Littlenose · 23 Nov 2023 at 10:35

that's great... I love this place !

steinooo · 2 Jan 2024 at 22:46

I've only just realised iPhones take heic files. Why do they do that? Is there any difference from a jpg?

Bluecube · 2 Jan 2024 at 23:31

iDevices produce HEIC files. JPEG is a very old standard (over 30 years old at least)which HEIC is designed to replace. HEIC contains more meta information and produces comparably smaller files.

SupraWez · 2 Jan 2024 at 23:53

Just change settings on the device under camera, formats to most compatible from high efficiency.

Feek · 2 Jan 2024 at 23:58

SupraWez said:
Just change settings on the device under camera, formats to most compatible from high efficiency.

Why would you want to increase file size and reduce quality?

SupraWez · 2 Jan 2024 at 23:59

Cause they just work off the device everywhere else.

Bluecube · 3 Jan 2024 at 00:07

Photo files copied to old fashioned devices are auto converted. Not using HEIC on an iPhone is a waste

SupraWez · 3 Jan 2024 at 00:12

Bluecube said:
Photo files copied to old fashioned devices are auto converted. Not using HEIC on an iPhone is a waste

Dragging files off device to windows 10 doesn’t, or never use too, ended up with ton of files that needed converting, too much hassle and since most will just convert to jpg anyway why add the unnecessary step…

Bluecube · 3 Jan 2024 at 08:52

Because HEIC is a better format

SupraWez · 3 Jan 2024 at 10:12

Bluecube said:
Because HEIC is a better format

If your going to leave and use in HEIC then yeah I can understand that, I do not.

The original question was based around easily converting to jpg, in which case if you have no use case for HEIC then just take take them in jpg and be done with it.

I am not saying HEIC isnt a better format but if you are taking them in HEIC and then converting straight to JPG what benefit are you getting, some potential space saving, which on modern iPhones is plentiful.

Grimley · 4 Jan 2024 at 19:00

I had this 'problem' when my sister shared some photos of a family get-together. W10 & 11 wont let you view any of said files unless you pay for a specific app from their store. Not a problem viewing them in Linux though. Converted them by uploading then downloading in Google Photos.

Broken Hope · 5 Jan 2024 at 17:03

SupraWez said:
Just change settings on the device under camera, formats to most compatible from high efficiency.

You realise this also nerfs the video recording capabilities of the phone too right?

You lose access to 4K 60fps recording and HDR video recording.

Feek · 5 Jan 2024 at 17:17

Grimley said:
W10 & 11 wont let you view any of said files unless you pay for a specific app from their store

I really don’t have the words to explain why I detest Microsoft so much.

SupraWez · 5 Jan 2024 at 20:13

Broken Hope said:
You realise this also nerfs the video recording capabilities of the phone too right?

You lose access to 4K 60fps recording and HDR video recording.

I record in HD 60fps, more than enough for my phone, I use GoPro`s for other recordings.

Broken Hope · 5 Jan 2024 at 20:30

Feek said:
I really don’t have the words to explain why I detest Microsoft so much.

You can literally get free extensions to display hevc and heic from Microsoft for free..

How to add support for HEIC and HEVC files on Windows 11

Here are the steps to install the extensions (at no cost) to support HEIF images or H.265 videos on Windows 11.

www.windowscentral.com

visibleman · 5 Jan 2024 at 21:24

Feek said:
I really don’t have the words to explain why I detest Microsoft so much.

IIRC, HEIC is an MPEG closed and licensed format (unlike AVIF) so it's understandable. Although as @Broken Hope says, you can install the extension(s) without paying.

dannyjo22 · 13 Jan 2024 at 12:49

Bluecube said:
Drag the photo from Photos to the Desktop (Or any folder) and it’s automatically converted to a jpeg

I dragged from downloads to desktop on the Mac and they stay as HEIC.

Bluecube · 13 Jan 2024 at 13:48

That’s right. View the pic in the Photos app and drag it onto Desktop for auto conversion. If you’re using an iPhone to take pics then just use iCloud to sync all your pics between your Mac and phone.