libheif 1.20.2
libheif is a free library for encoding and decoding HEIF and AVIF images - two modern formats that deliver superior compression compared to JPEG and PNG.
HEIF uses HEVC (H.265) compression while AVIF leverages the AV1 codec, both achieving smaller file sizes without sacrificing image quality.
Decoding Features
libheif handles tiled images, alpha channels, embedded thumbnails, and EXIF/XMP metadata extraction.
It supports depth channels for 3D effects, multiple images per file, and transformations like cropping, mirroring, and rotating.
The plugin interface allows adding codecs for AVC and JPEG formats, while progressive decoding enables image previewing during download.
Encoding Features
Create images with lossy or lossless compression at adjustable quality levels.
libheif preserves transparency, embeds thumbnails and color profiles, and supports 10-bit and 12-bit high bit-depth encoding. Monochrome image encoding is also available.
Related Guides
- How to Open and View HEIF Images
- How to Open HEVC, HEIC and HEIF Files
- How to Uninstall HEVC and HEIF Extensions
Alternative Tools
Need to view HEIC files in Windows Explorer? Download WIC for HEIC or CopyTrans HEIC for native thumbnail support.
For AVIF-specific encoding, try libavif or the AOM AV1 Encoder.
Image viewers like IrfanView, PicView, and JPEGView open both HEIF and AVIF files after installing the required extensions.
For quick online conversions, ConvertICO.com offers instant JPEG to HEIF and HEIF to JPEG conversion.
Batch conversion is available through XnConvert and iMazing Converter.
