How to open HEIC file in Photoshop

Written by Alexa Hill on January 14, 2025 in Image Formats

The HEIC (or HEIC/HEVC) file format, developed by Apple, has become increasingly popular due to its efficient compression and high image quality. However, this format is not natively supported by Adobe Photoshop, which can create compatibility issues for those working with HEIC files. This article aims to guide you through the process of opening HEIC files in Photoshop, allowing you to seamlessly edit and manipulate these images.

How to open HEIC file in Photoshop

HEIC files and Photoshop

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) files are a modern image format used primarily by Apple devices, based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard developed by the MPEG group. Technically, HEIC files store images using the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding, or H.265) codec, which allows for significantly better compression than JPEG while maintaining higher image quality. A single HEIC file can contain one or more images (e.g., for Live Photos or bursts), along with metadata like depth maps, thumbnails, and image edits. HEIC supports features such as 16-bit color, transparency, and animations, making it efficient for both storage and visual fidelity — but it may require conversion for compatibility with older or non-Apple systems.

The first step is to ensure that you have the necessary software installed. Adobe Photoshop, by default, does not support HEIC files. To resolve this, you need to install a plugin or utilise a third-party converter. One popular option is the HEIC Codec from Adobe, which is compatible with various versions of Photoshop.

Installing the HEIC Codec

Once you have downloaded the HEIC Codec, follow these steps to install it:

  1. Double-click on the downloaded file to launch the installer.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
  3. Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

After the installation is complete, Photoshop should now be able to recognize and open HEIC files without any issues.

Opening HEIC Files in Photoshop

With the HEIC Codec installed, you can now open HEIC files in Photoshop just like any other image format. Here's how:

  1. Launch Adobe Photoshop.
  2. Go to File > Open or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Cmd + O.
  3. Navigate to the location where your HEIC file is stored.
  4. Select the HEIC file you want to open and click Open.

Photoshop will now open the HEIC file, allowing you to edit, manipulate, and save it in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.

Alternatively, you can use online HEIC to JPG converters if you prefer not to install additional software. These web-based tools allow you to convert HEIC files to a format compatible with Photoshop, such as JPEG or PNG, before opening them in the application.



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AUTHOR

Alexa Hill

Coffee lover, sushi whisperer. Alexa is a graphic designer turned user experience wizard who knows all the details of every image format out there.



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