What is a .HEVC file? (How to open & convert)
Learn what .HEVC is, how to open it, and use an embedded local-only tool for common tasks.
.HEVC HEVC, also known as H.265, is a high-performance video compression standard. It allows for significantly smaller file sizes compared to older formats like H.264 while maintaining the same visual quality. It is the default recording format for modern iPhones and 4K cameras, but it often requires paid extensions to play on Windows PCs.
Basic info
- Full name: High Efficiency Video Coding
- Developer: Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC)
- Category: Video
How to open a .HEVC file
On macOS: Natively supported by macOS High Sierra and later via QuickTime Player.
On Windows: Requires the 'HEVC Video Extensions' from the Microsoft Store or a third-party player like VLC. Our local tool can convert it to the widely supported MP4 (H.264) format instantly.
On mobile: Standard on iOS 11+ and Android 5.0+; older devices may experience lag during playback due to high CPU demands.
Try a related tool
Use a local-only tool (no uploads) for common tasks.
Related extensions
Browse similar formats in the Wiki.
Technical characteristics
- Offers about 50% better data compression than H.264.
- Supports resolutions up to 8192×4320 (8K UHD).
- Uses advanced 'Coding Tree Units' (CTUs) for more efficient image processing.
Common scenarios
- Compressing large 4K video files for faster cloud storage uploads.
- Converting iPhone 'High Efficiency' videos for editing on older Windows software.
- Preparing high-quality video content for streaming with low bandwidth.
Security notes
Safe. HEVC is a standardized video data stream and does not contain executable code.