What is HEIF?
HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is a file format for storing and sharing digital images and image sequences.
It was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and is based on the High Efficiency Video Codec (HEVC) compression technology. HEIF is designed to offer superior image quality at smaller file sizes compared to other popular image formats such as JPEG. This is achieved through advanced compression algorithms and the ability to store multiple images, image sequences, and metadata in a single file. HEIF also supports features such as alpha channels, depth maps, and transparency, which were previously only available in specialized image formats. HEIF files can be opened and viewed on most modern devices, including iPhones, iPads, and some Android devices. However, some older devices and operating systems may not support HEIF natively, requiring the use of third-party software or conversion to a more widely supported image format.