Image formats Comparing Transparent Image File Types: Which One Should You Use? Understanding the Differences: GIF vs TIFF Comparing JPEG vs HEIC: Which Is Best? HEIF vs RAW: What Do You Pick? Battle of the Formats: HEIF vs HEIC Breaking Down PNG vs TIFF Understanding the Differences: JPEG vs TIFF Comparative Analysis: JPEG vs RAW Comparing JPEG vs PNG: When Do You Need Them? Understanding JPEG Image Formats How to Convert PDF to JPG in .NET Image Conversion to Base64 in Python: A Comprehensive Guide How to convert PDF to JPG with Python Raster vs Vector: Navigating the Digital Image Landscape What Is a PNG Image and How to Convert It? Comprehensive Guide on Converting PDF to JPG on Android Converting PDF to JPG Using Java Ways to Convert WebP to PNG Converting JPG to GIF: Creating Aesthetically Beautiful Website Pages How to Convert MP4 to PNG to Enhance Accessibility and Unmatched Quality Convert PNG to SVG PDF to TIFF Made Easy: Top Tools and Techniques SVG Format: Features, Common Uses, and Pros/Cons You Should Know Convert Image to PDF – All the Options Complete Guide On Converting TIFF To JPG Converting Images From AVIF To JPG Converting Images From TIFF To PNG Everything You Need To Know About AVIF To PNG Conversion Everything You Need To Know About WebP To SVG Conversion How to Convert Images From WebM To PNG A Developer’s Guide to SVG Optimization The Developer’s Guide to PNG Formats: Maximizing Impact with PNG-8 and PNG-24 Understanding PSD: Complete Guide How to Convert WebP to JPG: A Comprehensive Guide How to Convert HEIC to JPG: A Comprehensive Guide Should You Still Use BMP Format? Use Cases and Pros/Cons MXF Format: Key Features, Use Cases and Pros/Cons Indesign Format: Features, Pros/Cons and Best Practices HEIF Format: Meet the The Next Evolution of JPEG glTF: Features, Applications, and 5 Essential Best Practices ICO Format: Origins, Common Uses, and Important Pros/Cons GLB Format: How It Works, Use Cases, and Pros/Cons You Should Know DNG Format: How It Works and Pros/Cons to Know About EPS Format: History, How it Works, and Pros/Cons You Should Know SVG Format: Features, Common Uses, and Pros/Cons You Should Know EPS vs SVG: 4 Key Differences and How to Choose AVIF vs. WebP: 4 Key Differences and How to Choose DNG vs RAW: Pros, Cons, Key Differences, and How to Choose AVIF Format: A Next-Gen Image Format to Rule them All? The TGA Format Is Alive and Kicking: Why and When to Use It USDZ Format: How It Works, Use Cases, and Pros/Cons BMP vs PNG: 4 Key Differences and How to Choose HEIF vs JPEG: 4 Key Differences and How to Choose SVG vs PNG: 4 Key Differences and How to Choose Automatically Change Format To JPG How to Convert PNG to JPG? All the Options Converting PNG to TIF: Options and Best Practices Convert JPG to TIFF WebP Format: Technology, Pros & Cons, and Alternatives GIF Format: Past, Present, and Future

HEIF Format: Meet the The Next Evolution of JPEG

heif format header

What Is HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format)?

HEIF is a file format for storing individual images and image sequences in a compact, high-quality manner. It is based on the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standards and was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). HEIF has gained significant attention due to its ability to provide superior image compression without compromising on quality.

The primary goal of HEIF is to improve upon the existing image formats, such as JPEG, by offering better compression and more advanced features.

In this article:

  • History of HEIF
  • How HEIF Works
  • Key Advantages of HEIF
  • 4 Best Practices for Using HEIF

    History of HEIF

    The roots of HEIF can be traced back to the early 2000s when the development of HEVC began. HEVC was designed to be a more efficient video compression standard than its predecessor, H.264. As the HEVC standard evolved, the potential for a new, more efficient image format based on the same technology became apparent.

    In 2013, theMPEG began working on the HEIF format, which was completed in 2015. By using the HEVC compression technology, HEIF was designed to address the limitations of existing image formats, such as the ubiquitous JPEG. The format was officially standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2015.

    The adoption of HEIF started to pick up steam when Apple announced its support for the format in 2017. With the release of iOS 11, HEIF became the default image format for iPhones and iPads, replacing the JPEG format that had been in use for decades. This decision by Apple brought HEIF into the mainstream, and its popularity has only grown since then.

    How HEIF Works

    The HEIF format uses the HEVC codec to compress images, which offers significant advantages over the older JPEG format.

    HEVC divides an image into small rectangular blocks, called Coding Units (CUs). These CUs are then compressed individually, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in the compression process. This technique is particularly effective in reducing file size without sacrificing image quality.

    HEIF also supports advanced features, such as storing multiple images within a single file, transparency, and image sequences. This makes HEIF a versatile option for various applications, including photography, image sharing, and even virtual reality.

    Key Advantages of HEIF

    There are several reasons why HEIF is emerging as a powerful contender in the world of digital imaging. Here are some of the most notable advantages that set HEIF apart from other image file formats:

    • Superior compression: The most significant benefit of HEIF is its ability to compress images more efficiently than JPEG. On average, HEIF images are about 50% smaller than their JPEG counterparts, while maintaining the same quality. This means that you can store twice as many HEIF images in the same amount of space as JPEG images.
    • Lossless compression: Unlike JPEG, HEIF supports both lossy and lossless compression. This means that you can choose to compress your images without any loss of quality, which is critical for professional photographers and artists who need the highest possible fidelity in their work.
    • Multiple images in a single file: HEIF allows you to store multiple images within a single file. This is particularly useful for creating image sequences, such as burst photos or animations. Additionally, HEIF can store both a high-resolution image and a smaller, lower-resolution version in the same file, making it easier to share and display images on devices with varying screen resolutions.
    • Advanced editing features: HEIF supports non-destructive editing, which means that you can make changes to an image without altering the original file. This is possible due to HEIF’s support for storing image data and editing instructions separately. You can also store additional metadata, such as depth information and image orientation, within the HEIF file.
    • Compatibility: Although HEIF is a relatively new format, it is already supported by many popular devices and applications, including iOS, macOS, Android, and Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite. This widespread compatibility makes it easier to adopt HEIF as your preferred image format.

    4 Best Practices for Using HEIF

    Let’s discuss some best practices for using this format in your photography workflow:

    1. Choose the right compression settings: When working with HEIF, it’s essential to select the appropriate compression settings for your specific use case. If you require lossless compression, make sure to enable this option in your imaging software or camera settings. For most general applications, however, the default lossy compression settings should provide excellent results.
    2. Use HEIF for image sharing: Due to its superior compression capabilities, HEIF is an ideal format for sharing images online. By using HEIF, you can reduce the file size of your images without sacrificing quality, making it easier for your recipients to download and view your photos.
    3. Take advantage of HEIF’s advanced features: As mentioned earlier, HEIF supports a variety of advanced features that can enhance your photography workflow. Be sure to explore these capabilities, such as non-destructive editing and storing multiple images in a single file, to get the most out of the HEIF format.
    4. Stay updated on HEIF support: While HEIF is already widely supported, it’s essential to keep an eye on future developments and updates. As more devices and applications adopt the HEIF format, you’ll want to ensure that your workflow remains compatible and up-to-date.

    HEIF with Cloudinary

    While the HEIF format offers superior compression and quality features, it does present challenges, including compatibility issues and processing demands. These can make handling HEIF files a complex task for developers. However, there’s good news: solutions like Cloudinary provide a roadmap to navigate the complexities of HEIF.

    Cloudinary offers a versatile platform to handle HEIF files. A key feature is its ability to automatically convert HEIF files into any output format upon upload, significantly reducing the compatibility issues inherent in the HEIF format. Plus, with Cloudinary, you have smart automatic quality and encoding settings at your disposal, which ensure the delivery of the best quality-image while optimizing for file size and format.

    Additionally, Cloudinary steps up the game by offering powerful, on-the-fly manipulations. Whether it’s resizing, cropping, applying effects, or any other transformations, we make processing HEIF files a breeze. Additionally, through its broad network of CDN partnerships, Cloudinary offers rapid, secure, and reliable content delivery all over the globe.

    Sign up today and handle HEIF files with complete control.

QUICK TIPS
Nadin Indre
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In my experience, here are tips that can help you effectively use the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) in your digital imaging and photography workflows:

  1. Optimize compression settings for storage and quality
    Take advantage of HEIF’s advanced compression capabilities by adjusting the compression settings based on your specific needs. For general photography, the default lossy compression should offer a great balance between quality and file size. For critical work where every detail matters, opt for lossless compression to retain maximum image fidelity.
  2. Leverage HEIF for burst mode and live photos
    HEIF’s ability to store multiple images within a single file makes it ideal for capturing burst photos and live photos. Use this feature to maintain all frames in a sequence without significantly increasing storage requirements, providing flexibility during editing.
  3. Utilize non-destructive editing capabilities
    HEIF supports non-destructive editing, allowing you to make changes to an image without altering the original data. Use this feature to experiment with different edits and effects, knowing you can always revert to the original image if needed. This is particularly useful in professional photography where multiple revisions are common.
  4. Test compatibility before large-scale adoption
    Although HEIF is becoming more widely supported, not all platforms and devices fully support the format. Before committing to HEIF for large-scale projects, test your workflow to ensure compatibility with your clients’ systems and your software suite. If needed, use Cloudinary to automatically convert HEIF files to more universally supported formats like JPEG.
  5. Use HEIF for efficient image sharing
    When sharing images online or via email, HEIF’s smaller file sizes make it an excellent choice. Compressing images in HEIF ensures faster upload and download times without sacrificing image quality, making it easier to share high-resolution images over the internet.
  6. Incorporate HEIF into your mobile photography workflow
    Many modern smartphones, particularly iPhones, now use HEIF as the default image format. Embrace HEIF in your mobile photography workflow to maximize storage efficiency on your device, allowing you to capture and store more high-quality images without running out of space.
  7. Stay updated on software and hardware support for HEIF
    As HEIF adoption grows, software and hardware support will continue to improve. Keep your systems and software up to date to take full advantage of HEIF’s capabilities. Monitor updates from Adobe, Apple, and other key players to ensure you are using the latest features and compatibility improvements.
  8. Use Cloudinary for seamless HEIF management
    Integrate Cloudinary into your workflow to handle HEIF files more effectively. Cloudinary can automatically convert HEIF to other formats as needed, apply optimizations, and deliver images at the right quality for various platforms. This automation saves time and ensures that your images are always delivered in the best format for your audience.
  9. Explore HEIF’s metadata and depth information
    HEIF supports extensive metadata and depth information, which can be particularly useful in creative and professional photography. Use this data to enhance your post-processing workflow, enabling advanced effects like background blur or 3D rendering based on depth information.
  10. Backup original HEIF files for future use
    Given HEIF’s potential to become a more dominant format in the future, consider backing up your original HEIF files. Even if you convert them to other formats for current use, keeping the originals ensures you can take full advantage of HEIF’s features as software support continues to expand.

These tips should help you make the most of HEIF in your photography and digital imaging projects, ensuring efficient workflows and high-quality results.

Last updated: Aug 25, 2024