HEIF, or High Efficiency Image File Format, is a modern image file format introduced by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It was developed as part of the MPEG-H suite and is based on the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC, or H.265) video compression standard. HEIF was designed to improve on the compression capabilities of older formats like JPEG, providing higher image quality at smaller file sizes.
- Efficient Compression: HEIF offers significant improvements in file size and image quality compared to JPEG. This is largely due to its use of HEVC, which is more efficient than the compression algorithms used in JPEG.
- Support for 16-bit Color: Unlike JPEG, which is limited to 8-bit color, HEIF supports up to 16-bit color depth, allowing for richer and more detailed images.
- Advanced Compression Options: HEIF can store images and image sequences that are encoded either in HEVC or other advanced codecs, providing flexibility in how images are compressed and stored.
- Support for Multiple Images in a Single File: HEIF can contain multiple images in one file, which can be used to store burst photos, focus stacks, or image sequences for animations. It can also store thumbnails, auxiliary images like depth maps, and metadata.
- Non-destructive Editing: HEIF supports storing editing operations such as cropping and rotating as metadata, which means the original image can be reconstructed, preserving the original data without permanent alteration.
- Mobile Photography: HEIF has been adopted by Apple in its iOS and macOS systems, replacing JPEG as the standard format for photos in an effort to save storage space while maintaining high image quality. This use leverages HEIF's efficient compression to store high-quality images in less space.
- Professional Photography and Imaging: Given its high dynamic range and color fidelity, HEIF is also suitable for professional photography and imaging applications where quality is critical.
- Rich Media Applications: With its ability to handle multiple images and types of data in a single file, HEIF is well-suited for applications involving complex image collections, such as digital photo albums or multimedia presentations.