There are many variations of the HEIF format. The HEIC format is one dedicated to Apple devices equipped with the IOS 11 operating system or higher. This is simply a renaming to make files from an Apple device more easily identifiable. 

Difference: JPEG – HEIF 

The JPEG format is used worldwide and is very common on the web because the file size is generally quite small. But then, what is the difference with the HEIF format? 

• Zoom  : since HEIF image quality is much better, the zoom will be much sharper than with JPEG (where at a certain point, the photo becomes blurry). 
• Image style  : HEIF can combine moving images and still images (Live Photo, GIF). JPEG, on the other hand, can only produce still images. 
• Weight  : as said previously, on an identical photo taken, the HEIF format will be twice as light as the JPEG format
• Modification  : you can modify your photos (rotate, crop, crop, etc.) without degrading the quality, which still remains a big problem with photos in JPEG format. 
• Protection  : the HEIC format preserves information on several layers such as transparency or depth of field, which JPEG does not allow. 

HEIF format contains more information than JPEG while weighing less. However, to share your HEIF images on the web, you will need to convert it to JPEG format to ensure perfect support. On Mac, it’s quick to convert HEIF to JPEG with the Preview app. Go to the File tab > Export… Then select the JPEG format and save.

On PC, there are several free software online that can convert HEIC photos to JPEG. For example, the free online software Convertio works well but will slightly decrease the level of detail in photos.  

Few platforms are compatible with the HEIF format at present. Whatsapp, Messenger, Instagram automatically convert your photos to JPEG format, which results in a loss of quality. If you want to share your photos without loss of quality, there are a few platforms compatible with this format, we recommend one: Tribu . It will allow you to create a photo album without having to convert them all to JPEG format. You can choose to receive the digital version of the album or the paper version. The plus with this platform is the co-creation of the album with several members of a family. If you don’t know what to do with all your photos in HEIF format, go to the Tribu website to create your family album!   

We therefore advise you to keep the HEIF format to keep quality photos and then share them in a photo album for your loved ones to enjoy.