To optimize HEIC images, run `npx optimo photo.heic`. Optimo applies format-specific ImageMagick-powered compression that typically reduces HEIC file size by 15–40% without visible quality loss. The original file is kept if the output is not smaller.

## Command

Start here. Run optimo on an image file:

```
npx optimo photo.heic
```

Tip: add `--dry-run` to preview changes.

## When to use HEIC

- photos from phones
- camera exports

### Trade-offs

- Not web-native; often needs conversion for the browser

## Related formats

- [PNG](/content/optimize/png/index.html) - Lossless image format with sharp edges and great support for transparency.
- [JPEG](/content/optimize/jpeg/index.html) - The classic photo format: widely supported, good quality-to-size for photographs.
- [WebP](/content/optimize/webp/index.html) - Modern image format with great compression and broad browser support.
- [AVIF](/content/optimize/avif/index.html) - High-compression modern image format that can beat WebP on size at similar quality.
- [JPEG XL](/content/optimize/jxl/index.html) - Next-gen image format designed for high quality and efficient compression.
- [GIF](/content/optimize/gif/index.html) - Legacy animated image format that is still widely used for simple loops.
- [SVG](/content/optimize/svg/index.html) - Vector format: crisp at any size and excellent for icons and illustrations.

## Related conversions

- [Convert HEIC to JPEG](/content/convert/heic-to-jpeg/index.html)
- [Convert HEIC to WebP](/content/convert/heic-to-webp/index.html)
- [Convert PNG to HEIC](/content/convert/png-to-heic/index.html)
- [Convert JPEG to HEIC](/content/convert/jpeg-to-heic/index.html)
- [Convert WebP to HEIC](/content/convert/webp-to-heic/index.html)
- [Convert AVIF to HEIC](/content/convert/avif-to-heic/index.html)
- [Convert HEIC to PNG](/content/convert/heic-to-png/index.html)
- [Convert HEIC to AVIF](/content/convert/heic-to-avif/index.html)

## More for HEIC

- [Compress HEIC](/content/compress/heic/index.html)
- [Resize HEIC](/content/resize/heic/index.html)
- [What is HEIC?](/content/formats/heic/index.html)

## Compare formats

If you're picking a delivery format, comparisons can help.

- [Browse comparisons](/content/compare/index.html)

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I optimize HEIC files?** Run "npx optimo photo.heic" in your terminal. Optimo applies format-specific ImageMagick-powered compression that reduces HEIC file size while preserving quality. The original file is kept if the optimized output is not smaller.

**Is HEIC optimization lossless?** By default, optimo uses lossless optimization for HEIC. For additional compression, add the --lossy flag to allow minor quality trade-offs for significantly smaller files.

**What tools does optimo use for HEIC?** Optimo uses ImageMagick, MozJPEG, and SVGO (depending on format) under the hood with format-specific settings tuned for HEIC files.