# What can open HEIC files?

> A reference table rather than an argument. Find your platform, see whether it works, and learn what to do if it does not.

Source: https://jpg-heic.com/heic-compatibility-guide | Section: Reference | Updated: 2026-08-31

## Operating systems

| Platform | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 11 and later | Native | Captures and displays HEIC by default |
| macOS High Sierra and later | Native | Full support including HEIC export |
| Windows 11 | Partial | Container support built in; HEVC codec sold separately |
| Windows 10 | Partial | Needs both HEIF and HEVC extensions |
| Android 9 and later | Native | Platform decodes it; individual apps may not |
| ChromeOS | Inconsistent | Varies by version and hardware |
| Linux | With libheif | Not usually installed by default |

## Web browsers

| Browser | Displays HEIC in an img tag? |
|---|---|
| Chrome | No |
| Firefox | No |
| Edge | No |
| Safari | No |
| Samsung Internet | No |

Complete and consistent. No browser decodes HEIC natively, which is why every browser-based HEIC tool, including this one, ships its own WebAssembly decoder.

## Applications and services

| Software | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photoshop, Lightroom | Yes | On Windows, needs the system codec |
| GIMP 2.10+ | Yes | Requires libheif installed |
| Affinity Photo | Yes | Both platforms |
| Microsoft Word, PowerPoint | Windows only, with codec | Insert Picture fails without it |
| Google Docs and Slides | No | Convert before inserting |
| Google Photos | Yes | Stores and displays; downloads may return HEIC |
| Dropbox, OneDrive | Preview yes | Downloads return the original file |
| Canva, Figma | No | Convert to JPG or PNG first |
| WordPress media library | No | Upload is rejected by default |

## Social and messaging

| Platform | What happens |
|---|---|
| Instagram, Facebook | Converts on upload from the iOS app |
| WhatsApp | Converts to JPG and compresses heavily |
| iMessage | Keeps HEIC between Apple devices |
| Slack, Discord | Uploads but often will not preview |
| LinkedIn, X | Generally reject HEIC uploads |
| Email clients | Attach fine, usually will not preview |

 **The rule that covers all of it.** Inside Apple's ecosystem, HEIC works. The moment a file
 crosses to another platform, another vendor's software, or the web, assume it will not. Converting
 takes seconds and removes the question entirely.

## Frequently asked questions

**Which browsers support HEIC?**

None. Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari all decline to decode HEIC in an image tag, which is why browser-based tools have to supply their own WebAssembly decoder.

**Can I upload HEIC to Instagram or Facebook?**

From the iOS apps, yes — they convert during upload. From a desktop browser, uploads usually fail and the file needs converting first.

**Does Microsoft Word accept HEIC images?**

On Windows with the HEVC codec installed, yes. Without it, and on the web version, Insert Picture fails. Converting to JPG first avoids the problem entirely.

**Will HEIC files work on Android?**

The platform has decoded HEIF since Android 9 and gallery apps generally display it. Individual apps that handle images themselves may still refuse the format.