Demystifying iPhone Camera Save Formats: A Guide to Converting HEIF/HEVC and JPEG to Other Formats

20 mars 2023

By default, starting with iOS 11, iPhones save camera and selfie photos in the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) or HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) format, which offers better compression and higher image quality compared to JPEG.

Quick links:

Convert HEIF Image to PDF

Converting HEIF Images to JPEG: When and Why

Converting HEVC to H.264: When and Why

In iOS, the available camera formats on an iPhone are as follows:

High Efficiency (HEVC): This is the default format and uses the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) codec for video and HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) for photos.
Most Compatible: This format uses the H.264 codec for video and JPEG for photos. It is designed for compatibility with other devices that may not support HEVC or HEIF.

JPEG is a widely used image format that provides good image quality and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software programs. H.264 is a commonly used video codec that is supported by many devices and video editing software.
ProRAW: This format allows you to capture photos in a RAW format that preserves more image data and provides more flexibility for editing.

You can change the camera format by going to the Camera settings on your iPhone and selecting "Formats". From there, you can choose which format you want to use for photos and videos.

Comparison between JPEG and HEIF in some key areas:

Image Quality: HEIF generally provides better image quality than JPEG due to its ability to store more color information, higher bit depth, and improved compression algorithms. HEIF images can also contain HDR metadata, which allows for more dynamic range and more accurate color reproduction.
File Size: HEIF files are generally smaller than JPEG files of the same resolution and quality, thanks to improved compression algorithms. This means you can store more photos on your iPhone or other device, or upload them more quickly to the cloud or social media.
Compatibility: JPEG is a widely supported image format that can be opened and edited on virtually any device or software program. HEIF, on the other hand, is a newer format that may not be supported by some devices or software programs. However, this is becoming less of an issue as HEIF support becomes more widespread.
Conversion: If you want to convert HEIF files to JPEG or another format, you'll need to use a conversion tool or software program. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's relatively straightforward and there are many tools available. Converting JPEG files to other formats is generally easier, as JPEG is a widely supported format that can be easily opened and edited on many devices and software programs.

Comparison between H.264 and HEVC in some key areas:

Compression Efficiency: HEVC is generally more efficient than H.264, meaning it can achieve the same level of image quality at a lower bit rate or file size. This means that you can store more videos on your device or upload them more quickly to the cloud or social media.
Image Quality: HEVC provides better image quality than H.264 due to its ability to store more color information and higher bit depth. This means that you can capture videos with more detail, better color reproduction, and more accurate color grading.
Compatibility: H.264 is a widely supported video format that can be played on virtually any device or software program. HEVC, on the other hand, is a newer format that may not be supported by some devices or software programs. However, HEVC support is becoming more widespread.
Processing Power: HEVC requires more processing power than H.264 to encode and decode videos. This means that it may take longer to encode or decode HEVC videos on older or less powerful devices. However, this is becoming less of an issue as newer devices come equipped with more powerful processors.
Conversion: If you want to convert HEVC videos to H.264 or another format, you'll need to use a conversion tool or software program. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's relatively straightforward and there are many tools available. Converting H.264 videos to other formats is generally easier, as H.264 is a widely supported format that can be easily opened and edited on many devices and software programs.

Converting HEIF Images to PDF: When and Why

The most frequently used formats to convert HEIF images are JPEG and PNG. PNG is a lossless image format that is good for preserving image quality, but results in larger file sizes compared to JPEG.

HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) is a relatively new image format that was introduced with iOS 11 in 2017. While it offers several advantages over other image formats, such as smaller file sizes and better image quality, it may not be compatible with all devices or software programs. In some cases, you may need to convert HEIF images to a more widely supported format, such as JPEG or PNG (a lossless image format that is good for preserving image quality, but results in larger file sizes compared to JPEG). However, there may also be situations where converting HEIF images to PDF could be a useful option. In this article, we'll explore some of the reasons why you might want to convert HEIF images to PDF.

Creating a Multi-Page Document

One of the primary advantages of PDF (Portable Document Format) is that it can include multiple pages or images within a single file. This can be useful when creating documents that include images or graphics, such as reports, brochures, or presentations. If you have a series of HEIF images that you want to include in a multi-page document, converting them to PDF can make it easier to organize and share the document.

Preserving Image Quality and Metadata

HEIF is designed to preserve high-quality image data, such as color depth and dynamic range. When you convert HEIF images to other formats, such as JPEG or PNG, you may lose some of this image data, resulting in lower image quality. However, when you convert HEIF images to PDF, you can preserve the image quality and metadata, such as the date and time the image was captured, the device used to capture the image, and any editing or processing that has been applied to the image.

Archiving Images

If you have a collection of HEIF images that you want to archive for future reference, converting them to PDF can be a good option. PDF is a widely supported format that is likely to be readable on a variety of devices and software programs for many years to come. By converting your HEIF images to PDF, you can create a standardized, easy-to-access archive of your images that can be easily searched and organized.

Collaborating with Others

If you need to share HEIF images with others, converting them to PDF can make it easier to collaborate and share feedback. PDF is a common file format that can be opened and viewed on many devices and software programs, without the need for specialized software or plugins. By converting your HEIF images to PDF, you can ensure that your collaborators can easily view and provide feedback on the images, without needing to install any additional software.

In conclusion, converting HEIF images to PDF can be a useful option in certain situations. Whether you're creating a multi-page document, preserving image quality and metadata, archiving images, or collaborating with others, converting HEIF images to PDF can make it easier to organize, share, and access your images. If you need to convert HEIF images to PDF, there are many tools and software programs available to help you do so quickly and easily.

How to Create a Multi-Page Document from HEIF Images

Unfortunately, the default iOS Photos app does not have a built-in feature to create a multi-page document from HEIF images. However, you can use the default "Files" app to select multiple HEIF images and create a PDF file from them.

Here are the steps to move HEIF images from "Photos" to "Files":

Open the "Photos" app on your iPhone or iPad.
Navigate to the folder containing your HEIF images.
Tap and hold on one of the HEIF images until a menu appears.
Select "Share" from the menu.
Tap on the other HEIF images you want move to the "Files"
Tap on the "Save to Files" button at the bottom of the screen.
Give the file a name and choose a location to save it.
Tap "Save" to save the HEIF file.

Here are the steps to create a PDF file from multiple HEIF images using the default iOS "Files" app:

Open the "Files" app on your iPhone or iPad.
Navigate to the folder containing your HEIF images.
Tap on the three dots in upper right corner of the screen
Choose "Select items" from the menu.
Tap on the other HEIF images you want to include in the PDF file.
Tap on the three dots in right bottom corner of the screen
Tap on the "Create PDF" button at the bottom of the screen.
The iOS system will create a new PDF file containing the selected HEIF images.
Give the PDF file a name and choose a location to save it.
Tap "Save" to save the PDF file.

Note that this method will create a PDF file with each HEIF image on a separate page. If you want to arrange the images on multiple pages, you will need to use a third-party app like Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word to create a multi-page PDF document.

Here are the steps to create a multi-page document in Microsoft Word:

Open Microsoft Word and create a new document.
Click on the "Insert" tab and select "Pictures" from the "Illustrations" group.
Navigate to the folder containing your HEIF images and select the images you want to include in your document.
Click on the "Insert" button to add the images to your document.
Use the formatting tools in Word to arrange and resize the images as desired.
To add additional pages to your document, simply repeat steps 2-5.
Once you have arranged all of your images and pages, click on the "File" tab and select "Save As".
Choose "PDF" from the list of file formats and give your document a name.
Click on the "Save" button to save your multi-page PDF document.

You can use Adobe Acrobat to create a multi-page PDF file from multiple HEIF images by following these steps:

Open the Adobe Acrobat app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on the "+" icon in the bottom right corner of the screen and select "Create PDF" from the menu.
Select "Files" and choose the first HEIF image you want to add to the PDF file.
Repeat the previous step to add all the HEIF images you want to include in the PDF file.
Arrange the images in the order you want them to appear in the PDF file.
Tap on the "Edit" button in the top right corner of the screen and select "Organize Pages" from the menu.
Tap on the "Create New PDF" button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Give the new PDF file a name and tap "Create" to create the multi-page PDF file.
Tap on the "Done" button in the top right corner of the screen to exit the Organize Pages mode.
Your new PDF file is now saved and can be found in the Adobe Acrobat app under the "Files" tab.

Note that Adobe Acrobat is a paid app and requires a subscription to use all of its features. However, the app offers a free trial period for new users.

You can convert HEIC to PDF online using various free online file conversion tools. Here's how to do it using the online converter tool CloudConvert:

Open your web browser and go to the CloudConvert website (https://cloudconvert.com/heic-to-pdf).
Click on the "Select Files" button to upload the HEIC file you want to convert.
Choose the HEIC file you want to convert from your device or from cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Once the file is uploaded, select "PDF" from the "Convert to" dropdown menu.
If needed, adjust the settings for the output PDF file.
Click on the "Start Conversion" button to start the conversion process.
Wait for the conversion process to complete. The time it takes to convert the HEIC file to PDF will depend on the size of the file and the speed of your internet connection.
Once the conversion process is complete, click on the "Download" button to save the PDF file to your device or cloud storage.

Note that while online conversion tools are convenient, they may not always produce the best quality output. It's always a good idea to check the output PDF file after the conversion to ensure it looks the way you want it to.

Converting HEIF Images to JPEG: When and Why

HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) has been adopted by many mobile devices due to its superior compression and image quality capabilities. However, some situations may arise where you need to convert your HEIF images to JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format. In this article, we'll explore when and why you might want to convert HEIF images to JPEG, as well as the tools and techniques you can use to make this conversion.

When to Convert HEIF Images to JPEG

Here are some situations where you might want to convert HEIF images to JPEG:

Compatibility: While HEIF offers better image quality and smaller file sizes, not all devices and software support it. If you need to share your images with someone who doesn't have HEIF support, converting them to JPEG is a great way to ensure compatibility.
Editing: Some photo editing software may not support HEIF. If you want to edit your HEIF images in these programs, converting them to JPEG first can make the process smoother.
Printing: Some printers may not support HEIF. Converting your images to JPEG can ensure that they can be printed without issues.

Storage: If you need to store your images on a device or platform that doesn't support HEIF, converting them to JPEG can make them easier to manage and access.

If you have HEIF images on your iPhone or iPad and want to convert them to JPEG format, you can use the default Photos app. Here are the steps to follow:

Open the "Photos" app on your iPhone or iPad.
Navigate to the folder containing your HEIF images.
Tap and hold on one of the HEIF images until a menu appears.
Select "Share" from the menu.
Tap on the other HEIF images you want move to the "Files"
Tap on the "Save to Files" button at the bottom of the screen.
Give the file a name and choose a location to save it.
Tap "Save" to save the HEIF file.
Open the "Files" app on your iPhone or iPad.
Navigate to the folder containing your HEIF images..
Tap on the other HEIF image you want convert to JPEG format
Tap on the "Pencil" icon in the right bottom corner
Tap on the File Name in the upper left corner
Tap on "Export"
Choose "JPEG"
Choose Image Size
Give a file name and tap "Done"

Note: If you do not see the 'Save as JPEG' option in the Share menu, your iOS device may not be running the latest version of iOS. Make sure to update your device to the latest version in order to use this feature.

Converting HEVC to H.264: When and Why

HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) and H.264 are two popular video codecs used for compressing video files. However, HEVC can also be used to compress still images, providing higher quality and lower file sizes than H.264. So, why would someone want to convert HEVC images to H.264, and when is it necessary?

HEVC was introduced as an alternative to H.264 and is capable of producing higher-quality video at lower bitrates, making it an ideal choice for 4K and HDR content. HEVC achieves this by using advanced compression techniques that require more processing power to decode, which may be a problem for some devices.

On the other hand, H.264 is an older codec that's widely supported on most devices and browsers. It's a safe choice for sharing images or videos with others since it's compatible with most devices. H.264 also requires less processing power, making it ideal for low-end or older devices.

So, when would someone want to convert HEVC images to H.264? The most common reason is for compatibility issues. While most modern devices support HEVC, some older devices may not be able to decode HEVC images or videos properly. In this case, converting HEVC images to H.264 can solve the issue.

Another reason to convert HEVC images to H.264 is for sharing purposes. While HEVC can provide higher quality and smaller file sizes, it may not be supported by some platforms or social media apps. By converting HEVC images to H.264, you can ensure that your images are shareable on all platforms.

Unfortunately, the default iOS Photos app does not provide an option to convert HEVC videos to H.264. However, you can use a third-party app to convert your HEVC videos to H.264 on your iOS device.

Here are the steps to convert HEVC video to H.264 online using CloudConvert:

Go to the CloudConvert website (https://cloudconvert.com/hevc-to-h264) and click on "Select Files" to upload your HEVC video file. You can also drag and drop the file into the upload box.
Once the file is uploaded, select "H.264" as the output format from the dropdown menu. You can also customize the output settings if you wish.
Click on the "Start Conversion" button to begin the conversion process.
Wait for the conversion to complete. The time it takes to convert the file will depend on the size of the video and your internet connection speed.
Once the conversion is complete, click on the "Download" button to save the converted file to your computer.