Uploading
Q: Can I upload HEIC or HEIF files to FOREVER?
A: Yes. Starting May 6th, 2025, FOREVER® supports HEIC and HEIF file uploads across all major platforms:
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Web and Mobile Web (Version - always up-to-date)
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Valet™ (v. 1.2.25.1 and beyond)
- iOS App (v. 5.37 and beyond) – accepts HEIC/HEIF files and no longer auto-converts them to JPG
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Android App (v. 5.4.6 and beyond) – now supports HEIC/HEIF uploads
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Artisan® 6 (v. 6.3.45.45 and beyond) – supports import from your FOREVER Account (will convert to .jpg upon import). This does not include importing directly from your computers file system.
- Historian™ 6 (v. 6.2.6.6 and beyond) – supports import from your FOREVER Account (will convert to .jpg upon import). This does not include importing directly from your computers file system.
Q: Do I need to convert HEIC files to JPG before uploading to FOREVER?
A: No. Users can upload HEIC/HEIF files directly from the Web, Mobile Apps and Valet. FOREVER accepts and stores them without requiring conversion.
Q: Are the original HEIC files preserved after upload?
A: Yes. The original files uploaded by the Web, Mobile Apps and Valet are stored exactly as uploaded. No compression or format change occurs. You can download the exact original file at any time through the Web, Mobile Apps or Valet.
Viewing, Organizing, Sharing & Editing
Q: Can HEIC/HEIF images be viewed normally in FOREVER?
A: Yes, users will be able to view their photos across the platform, even if some devices or browsers do not support HEIC/HEIF natively.
Q: Can I organize my HEIC/HEIF files within my Storage account?
A: Yes. HEIC/HEIF files can be organized like any other file type within FOREVER. You can add them to Albums, Tags and within People.
Q: Can I edit HEIC images in the FOREVER Photo Editor?
A: Yes. When you open an HEIC/HEIF image in the Photo Editor, the system prepares a compatible JPG image for editing. The original file is preserved, but the edited copy will be in JPG format.
Q: Can I share HEIC/HEIF files with family and friends?
A: Yes - you can share your HEIC/HEIF files from your Storage account via the web, as well as through the iOS and Android Mobile Apps, just like any other FOREVER supported file type.
Printing & Projects
Q: Will HEIC files print correctly?
A: Yes! You can use HEIC and HEIF files within Design & Print as well as importing them into Artisan 6 from your Storage account. FOREVER ensures that your images are prepared for high-quality printing, so your memories look their best.
Q: Can I use HEIC images in Artisan 6 projects?
A: Artisan 6 now supports getting HEIC and HEIF image files directly from FOREVER for use in print projects. When you request an HEIC or HEIF file from your FOREVER Storage, Artisan automatically converts it to JPG format making it easy to use in your designs without any extra steps.
Q: Can HEIC and HEIF files be imported into Artisan 6 directly from my computer?
A: No, currently you cannot import HEIC and HEIF files into Artisan 6 directly from your computer.
Q: Can I import HEIC files into Historian 6?
A: Yes. Historian 6 supports importing HEIC and HEIF files directly from FOREVER. These files are automatically converted to JPG format, allowing you to browse and manage them just like any other image. If you later reimport the file back into FOREVER from Historian, it will return as a JPG.
Q: Can HEIC and HEIF files be imported into Historian 6 directly from my computer or smart phone (using a cable connection)?
A: No, currently you cannot import HEIC and HEIF files into Historian 6 directly from your computer or any source other than FOREVER.
Q: Will HEIC/HEIF files imported from FOREVER to Artisan 6 or Historian 6 be deduplicated when reuploaded to FOREVER?
A: No. Because Artisan 6 and Historian 6 convert HEIC/HEIF files to JPG format during import, the reuploaded files are no longer in their original format. As a result, FOREVER cannot recognize them as duplicates of the original HEIC/HEIF files, and deduplication will not occur.
Note: the reupload of the jpg file will be a larger file size than the original HEIC/HEIF file in your Storage account.
Metadata
Q: Is metadata preserved when uploading HEIC files?
A: Yes. Metadata is extracted from the file during upload and preserved in FOREVER. This includes date, description, various keyword tags and location information.
Q: If I download the HEIC/HEIF file later, does it include updated metadata?
A: Yes, if a request is made to download files with updated metadata (through the Web Application or Valet), FOREVER will update the appropriate information in the file based on changes made to the file’s information in FOREVER.
Storage & Download
Q: Do HEIC and HEIF files use more space in my FOREVER account?
A: No! HEIC and HEIF formats are more efficient than JPG and typically take up 30–40% less space for the same visual quality, allowing you to get the most out of your storage space.
Q: Can I download my original HEIC files?
A: Yes. FOREVER stores and delivers the original uploaded file without changing the format or compressing it.
General Questions
Q: Can I still convert HEIC files to JPG if I want to?
A: Yes, but there is no need to do so for FOREVER. You may convert files for use with other tools, but FOREVER fully supports storing and printing HEIC/HEIF files.
Q: What’s the difference between HEIC and HEIF?
A: HEIF is the format standard (High Efficiency Image Format). HEIC is a common file extension used when the HEIF format stores a single image (especially by Apple devices). FOREVER supports both.
Q: What if I do not want to upload my photos in HEIC/HEIF format taken with my mobile device?
A: To ensure compatibility, please set your phone’s camera format to “Most Compatible” on iOS or the appropriate format on Android.
For help on adjusting these settings, visit our step-by-step instructions in the FOREVER Help Center.