Convert from GIF · Free · No upload

Convert GIF to HEIF

GIF to HEIF converts a frame of a GIF into a HEIF image file. Browsers can’t encode HEVC (the codec in iPhone HEIC photos) because of patent licensing, so this tool encodes the image with AV1 — the HEIF variant better known as AVIF — and labels it as a generic HEIF image. macOS, iOS 16+ and other AV1-capable HEIF readers can open it.

  • Runs in your browser
  • No sign-up
  • No watermark
  • Works on mobile
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How to use GIF to HEIF

  1. 01

    Upload a GIF

    Drop the GIF.

  2. 02

    Choose frame and quality

    Pick the frame and set quality or lossless.

  3. 03

    Convert

    Click Convert to HEIF and download the .heif file.

HEIF, HEIC and AVIF explained

HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is a container defined by MPEG. What’s inside depends on the codec: HEIC files hold HEVC-compressed images (what iPhones save), while AVIF files hold AV1-compressed images. Both are HEIF under the hood. HEVC encoding isn’t available in browsers, so this tool writes AV1 into the HEIF container.

If the software you’re targeting specifically requires HEVC-coded .heic files, a native app is needed. For the web, an AVIF file is the most widely displayed modern format, and GIF to PNG is the safest universal choice.

Related conversions

Going from iPhone photos to GIF? HEIC to GIF decodes HEIC in any browser. To move a GIF onto an iPhone as something that moves, see GIF to Live Photo or GIF to MOV.

Features

  • HEIF container

    A standards-based ISO/IEC 23008-12 image file.

  • AV1 compression

    Modern, royalty-free and very efficient.

  • Transparency

    Keep alpha or flatten onto white.

  • Private

    Encoded with WebAssembly on your device.

GIF to HEIF FAQ

How do I convert a GIF to HEIF?

Upload the GIF, pick the frame and quality, and click Convert to HEIF to download a .heif image.

Is this the same as HEIC?

Both use the HEIF container. HEIC uses the HEVC codec; this tool uses AV1, because browsers can’t encode HEVC. Apple devices on macOS 13+ and iOS 16+ can open AV1-coded HEIF/AVIF images.

Can the HEIF be animated?

No, a single frame is converted. For a moving version on Apple devices, convert the GIF to MOV or Live Photo.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. GifRush processes everything locally in your browser using JavaScript, Canvas, Web Workers and WebCodecs. Your files never leave your device, and closing the tab discards them.

GIF to AVIF

Convert a GIF frame to a tiny, modern AVIF image with adjustable quality.

AVIFAV1WebAssembly

HEIC to GIF

Convert iPhone HEIC/HEIF photos into a GIF — one photo or an animated sequence.

HEICHEIFiPhone

GIF to Live Photo

Prepare a GIF as an iPhone Live Photo: a matching MOV video and JPG key photo.

iPhoneMOV + JPGWallpaper

GIF to PNG

Convert a GIF to PNG — pick any frame for a lossless still, or export every frame.

LosslessAny frameTransparency

GIF to MOV

Convert GIFs to QuickTime MOV (H.264) for iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Keynote and QuickTime Player.

QuickTimeMOVH.264

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