5.7. Export Image as HEIF/HEIC

HEIF stands for High Efficiency Image File Format. Also known as HEIC High Efficiency Image Coding.

Twice as much information can be stored in a HEIF image as in a JPEG image of the same size, resulting in a better quality. As of September 2022, no browser supports HEIF natively.

More information in Wikipedia.

Figure 15.62. The HEIF/HEIC Export dialog

The HEIF/HEIC Export dialog

HEIF Options
Lossless

When checked, the image will be exported with lossless compression. This will create a higher quality image at the cost of a larger file size.

Quality

If Lossless is not checked, this value determines the quality of the image compression. 100 provides the best quality image and lowest compression, while 0 provides the highest compression and worst quality image.

Pixel format

Defines what pixel format the exported image should use for color sub-sampling. There are three options:

  • YUV420: Suitable for photographs with lossy compression. This format is most compatible with other software that uses HEIF.

  • YUV444: When used with a high Quality setting, this format exports a visually lossless image.

  • RGB: Useful when exporting images with true lossless quality.

Bit depth

Determines if the pixel data should be stored using 8 bits, 10 bits, or 12 bits per color channel.

Encoder speed

The tradeoff between speed and compression. Slow will provide a smaller filesize but takes longer to encode.

Save color profile

If checked, the color profile is embedded in the exported image.

Save Exif

If checked, the Exif metadata is embedded in the exported image.

Save XMP

If checked, the XMP metadata is embedded in the exported image.