Make the HEIC file smaller without changing the output format
HEIC compression creates another HEIC file. The current compressor uses Cloud processing, so the image is uploaded and deleted by default one day after upload. Supported metadata is retained by default without intentional stripping, although HEIC-specific container data may not survive re-encoding.
Lower quality
Usually produces a smaller file but can remove more visible detail.
Higher quality
Usually retains more detail but may reduce the file size less.
How to Compress a HEIC File
Use a HEIC or HEIF image and the compressor's quality control, then compare the completed result before downloading it.
- 1
Choose a HEIC or HEIF image
Select a source image in the compressor. It uses Cloud processing to upload and compress the image.
- 2
Check the compression quality
The quality control ranges from 40 to 95, with 75 as the default. Lower values can reduce size further but may remove more visible detail.
- 3
Compare and download the compressed HEIC
Check the original size, output size, reduction, dimensions, and quality value before downloading the result.
Choose a HEIC Compression Quality from 40 to 95
The current compressor provides a quality range from 40 to 95, with 75 as the default. Quality is a tradeoff, not a guarantee of a particular file size.
- Lower values, near 40: the strongest reduction may be useful for previews or strict upload limits, but inspect artifacts carefully.
- Middle values, including the default 75: a practical middle range for many ordinary photographs.
- Higher values, up to 95: retains more visible detail but may produce a larger result.
- No universal best value: photo content, dimensions, noise, and the source encoding affect the outcome.
Compare the Original and Compressed HEIC Results
A useful compression result must show more than a Done status. Compare the source and output before deciding that the compression is acceptable.
- Original file size: the size before compression.
- Compressed file size: the size of the downloadable output.
- Reduction: the absolute or percentage decrease.
- Dimensions: the source and output pixel dimensions.
- Quality value: the actual setting used for that result.
How Much Smaller Can a HEIC File Become?
There is no fixed reduction percentage. A detailed, noisy, high-resolution photo can respond differently from a smooth image or a file that has already been heavily compressed.
- Image complexity: fine textures and noise are harder to compress.
- Resolution: large pixel dimensions increase the amount of image data.
- Existing encoding: an already efficient HEIC may have little room for reduction and can return a failure if further compression would not be effective.
- Metadata and container data: non-image data can contribute to the total size.
Does HEIC Compression Reduce Image Quality?
Re-encoding at a lower quality can reduce visible detail or add compression artifacts. The correct test is the completed image at its intended display size, not the quality number alone.
- Inspect fine detail: check text, hair, foliage, edges, and gradients.
- Check color and orientation: confirm that the output looks correct in the destination application.
- Keep the source: do not replace the original until the compressed result has been approved.
Multi-Image HEIC Files and Metadata
The current compressor processes the primary image of a multi-image HEIC. This is a significant limitation when the original contains additional images, thumbnails, depth information, or auxiliary content.
- Primary image only: the compressed output should not be assumed to retain every image item.
- Metadata: Supported EXIF, GPS, timestamps, and compatible ICC information are retained by default and are not intentionally stripped. HDR, depth, auxiliary images, and other HEIC-specific container data may still change or be unavailable after re-encoding.
- Live Photos: a compressed still image does not preserve the separate motion-video asset.
- Original preservation: keep the source when any additional data matters.
- Open and preview the HEIC file before compression when the container contents are uncertain.
- Learn what a HEIC file can contain.
| Goal | Recommended action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce size while keeping HEIC | Compress HEIC | Another HEIC file |
| Upload to a service that rejects HEIC | Convert HEIC to JPG | Broadly compatible JPG copy |
| Use a PNG-specific workflow | Convert HEIC to PNG | Losslessly encoded PNG output |
| Only inspect the source | Open in HEIC Viewer | No output conversion |
Frequently asked questions
Answers about HEIC file size, quality, dimensions, metadata, multi-image files, and conversion differences.
Use a HEIC or HEIF image and a quality value from 40 to 95. Follow the Cloud task, compare the result, and download it when it succeeds. An already optimized file may fail if it cannot be meaningfully reduced.
It can. Lower quality usually reduces file size more but can remove visible detail or introduce artifacts. Inspect the completed image at the size in which it will be used.
High resolution, image noise, fine detail, metadata, auxiliary data, and a high quality value can limit the reduction. Some source files are already efficiently compressed.
Check the original and output dimensions shown by the live result. Do not assume dimensions are unchanged unless the completed file confirms it.
Yes. The current compressor uses the Cloud workflow for server-side processing. Uploaded images are deleted by default one day after upload.
The compressor retains supported metadata by default and does not intentionally strip it. EXIF, GPS, timestamps, and compatible color information are retained where the resulting HEIC supports them, but HDR, depth, auxiliary images, or other HEIC-specific container data may not survive re-encoding.
The current compressor processes the primary image. Keep the original when additional images, thumbnails, depth data, or auxiliary content matter.
No. Compression keeps HEIC as the output format, while HEIC-to-JPG conversion creates a different file format for compatibility.
Compress an image, check its result, and repeat as needed. Keep each original until you have checked the compressed copy.