What HEIC actually is

HEIC is a container based on the HEIF standard. It stores images more efficiently than JPEG, often with depth information, HDR data, and the same EXIF block. Safari and macOS open it natively; Windows and many browsers need a decoder.

The extension can be .heic or .heif. Both behave the same for this workflow.

Why some tools fail

Local decoding in white-border

white-border decodes HEIC in the browser with libheif, then draws the bordered image on a canvas. The file never leaves your device, and the original EXIF is written into the JPEG export when it is available.

Decoding takes a moment on older phones. If the file is large, give it a few seconds before assuming it failed.

Step by step

  1. Open the editor and drop the HEIC file onto the canvas.
  2. Wait for the local decode. The preview appears when the image is ready.
  3. Set the border width, aspect ratio, and any camera-brand or timestamp decoration.
  4. Export JPEG. PNG does not carry the same EXIF block.
  5. Check the exported file’s details panel to confirm the camera and date survived.

Color and HDR

HEIC files from recent iPhones can carry HDR or a wide color profile. A browser canvas may render them slightly differently from the Photos app. If color accuracy is critical, compare the export with the original on the same screen before delivering it.

Batch HEIC files

You can load several HEIC files at once, save one set of border settings, and apply them to the whole batch. Decoding is the slow part; the border itself is fast. Keep the batch small on older devices to avoid running out of memory.

Privacy: HEIC often includes GPS. white-border keeps camera data, but check the metadata panel before posting a photo taken at home or at a client’s location.

Ready to try? Open the editor and drop in an iPhone photo.