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Since uploading my photos to icloud, I can't view or edit them in Photos app because they're changed to mostly in HEIC format???? I'm unable to right click to view. If I drag them to desktop...they appear as a black screen with green "exec". Help! Note: I'm a basic user.
iMac with Retina 5K display, OS X 10.10
Hi GrandJan,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. I understand you're having issues with the Photos app being unable to view or edit HEIF formatted files. I'd be happy to assist!
Do you happen to know what version of macOS you are running? If not, here is a great resource that will help you find that information:
Find out which macOS your Mac is using
The reason for asking is that HEIF and HEVC file formats are not supported on older versions of macOS. I'd recommend taking a look at this resource which talks about using HEIF and HEVC files: Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices
Specifically, take a look at this section:
"Working with this media
Support for HEIF and HEVC is built into iOS 11 and later and macOS High Sierra and later, letting you view, edit, or duplicate this media in a variety of apps, including Photos, iMovie, and QuickTime Player.
On some older devices, support for HEVC is affected by the resolution and frame rate (fps) of the video. Resolutions of 1080p or lower and frame rates of 60 fps or lower are more broadly compatible with older devices. To reduce the resolution and frame rate that your capture device uses for recording video, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video, as well as Settings > Camera > Record Slo-mo.
If you're using iCloud Photos with iOS 10 or macOS Sierra, you might see a warning icon in the upper-right corner of the photo or video, or you might see an alert message. To fully view, edit, or duplicate HEIF and HEVC media on your device, upgrade to iOS 11 or later or macOS High Sierra or later."
If your macOS is not on High Sierra or later and you would like to update to a more recent version that is something you can do.
Before doing so I would recommend making a back up. If you do not have a back up here is how you can make one: Back up your Mac with Time Machine
After backing up your Mac you can perform an update to a more recent macOS. Here a good article on how to update your Mac: How to update the software on your Mac
Enjoy your day.
Hi GrandJan,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. I understand you're having issues with the Photos app being unable to view or edit HEIF formatted files. I'd be happy to assist!
Do you happen to know what version of macOS you are running? If not, here is a great resource that will help you find that information:
Find out which macOS your Mac is using
The reason for asking is that HEIF and HEVC file formats are not supported on older versions of macOS. I'd recommend taking a look at this resource which talks about using HEIF and HEVC files: Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices
Specifically, take a look at this section:
"Working with this media
Support for HEIF and HEVC is built into iOS 11 and later and macOS High Sierra and later, letting you view, edit, or duplicate this media in a variety of apps, including Photos, iMovie, and QuickTime Player.
On some older devices, support for HEVC is affected by the resolution and frame rate (fps) of the video. Resolutions of 1080p or lower and frame rates of 60 fps or lower are more broadly compatible with older devices. To reduce the resolution and frame rate that your capture device uses for recording video, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video, as well as Settings > Camera > Record Slo-mo.
If you're using iCloud Photos with iOS 10 or macOS Sierra, you might see a warning icon in the upper-right corner of the photo or video, or you might see an alert message. To fully view, edit, or duplicate HEIF and HEVC media on your device, upgrade to iOS 11 or later or macOS High Sierra or later."
If your macOS is not on High Sierra or later and you would like to update to a more recent version that is something you can do.
Before doing so I would recommend making a back up. If you do not have a back up here is how you can make one: Back up your Mac with Time Machine
After backing up your Mac you can perform an update to a more recent macOS. Here a good article on how to update your Mac: How to update the software on your Mac
Enjoy your day.
Yes...my iMac is still using Yosemite. I had previously read the mentioned article, and understood that I'd need to update to obtain full functionality, but was just surprised that I never had HEIC formatted images prior to uploading to iCloud. Thus, I'd never previously had need to do so. Very frustrating!
Thanks for your help.
What model iPhone are you using because that is where the formatting of the image files are done. Apple Photos does not change the formats when uploading photos (whether they are JPEGs, RAW or HEIC formats) to iCloud.
Go to Settings/Camera/Formats. If you have "High Efficiency" selected, the iPhone will automatically save and upload the photos in HEIC format. If you switch to "Most Compatible", the photos will be saved and uploaded as JPEGs and your older operating system will be able to view and open them properly.
Thank you.....yes, I've now changed my iPhoneX. However, during the iCloud upload, 3000 some photos (from back in 2018) which were previously on Photos app as jpegs are now in Photos app as HEICs! That's why I'm confused and frustrated.
I have my photo library on my iMac as well as in the iCloud now. On the Photos App....am I seeing photos from the iCloud or from my computer? Would it be possible that those particular photos were saved as both jpegs and HEICs and some, such as these 3000 are randomly be showing as just HEICs?
Another question: should my iCloud settings include Save to PhotoStream (which I no longer have)? It was on when I uploaded - would that have made a difference?
My I have always kept all my originals taken with a camera in the Photos Library (and I have it set to download all originals when they are taken with one of our iPhones) and it is my understanding that when I view a photo it is looking at the one on my external HD.
However, if you have Photos set to Maximize the space on your computer, the originals are sent to iCloud and the Photos app displays a thumbnail of the image - the thumbnails are stored on your hard drive. When you double click on an image (or hit the spacebar) to either show it in enlarged view or edit it, then the original full sized file is downloaded from iCloud.
As far as PhotoStream, that is a totally separate service and I would not think it would effect what you are seeing.
I actually have it set to Download originals to Mac. It's so weird that even lots of older photos I've taken in 2018 with an iPhone 8s now appear in HEIC format! Also, even though my iPhone X was set to High Efficiency prior to uploading to iCloud...all photos that appeared in Photos app were in jpg form....NO HEICs. I've since done what you suggested (switched camera setting to Most Compatible) and that has fixed recent photos. That's why I was wondering if something got messed up when I sent all my Photos Library to the iCloud? My workaround with any of those 3000 + HEIC photos is to download them individually to desktop/jpgs if I need to view or edit them. When able, will take computer to the Genius Bar to see if someone can figure out what went wrong, or what I have set up incorrectly.
Really appreciate your patience and help.....you've been very kind!
That is strange because I just checked several of my older iPhone photos in the Photos app on my iMac and they are all still indicated as JPEG if I click on the Info button at the top of the screen.
Photos app problem with HEIC photos
