What is MIME type "image/heic"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

image/heic is a file type for high-efficiency images. It uses the HEIF standard to compress photos while keeping quality high.

This format reduces file size compared to older formats like JPEG. It handles advanced features such as image sequences, depth data, and transparency.

Efficiency: Delivers high-quality images with lower storage needs.
Features: Supports multiple images in one file, ideal for bursts or live photos.
Usage: Common in modern smartphones and newer computer systems.
Flexibility: Can include extra data like depth maps or animations.

Files using this MIME type come with several extensions. You may see them as HEIC, HIF, HEIF, HEICS, or HEIFS.

For more details, check out High Efficiency Image File Format on Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.heic, .hif, .heif, .heics, .heifs

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: image/heic

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="image/heic">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'image/heic');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.heic, .hif, .heif, .heics, .heifs

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.