Make the HEIC file smaller without changing the output format
HEIC compression creates another HEIC file. Use it when the destination already accepts HEIC and the actual problem is file size rather than compatibility.
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
Choose HEIC or HEIF images, select a quality value, compress them, and compare the completed results.
- 1
Choose HEIC or HEIF images
Add one or multiple supported images to the compression task.
- 2
Choose the compression quality
Use the available quality range from 1 to 100. Lower quality usually creates a smaller file, while higher quality retains 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 1 to 100
The current compressor provides a continuous quality range from 1 to 100, with 75 as the default. Quality is a tradeoff rather than a guarantee of a particular file size.
- 1–39: the strongest reduction may be useful for previews or strict upload limits, but inspect artifacts carefully.
- 40–79: a practical middle range for many ordinary photographs.
- 80–100: 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 limited room for further reduction.
- 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: EXIF, GPS, timestamps, ICC information, HDR, and depth data may change or be removed.
- 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.
Choose a HEIC or HEIF image, select a quality value between 1 and 100, start compression, compare the result, and download the smaller HEIC output.
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.
Do not assume that EXIF, GPS, timestamps, color information, HDR data, depth data, or auxiliary images remain.
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.
Yes. The input supports multiple HEIC or HEIF files. Review each completed result separately.