How to use the HEVC converter
- Choose a file. Drop your HEVC file.
- Check "Convert to". MP4 is selected; choose another format if you need it.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller or higher-quality file.
- Click Convert and download the result.
What is an HEVC file?
HEVC (H.265) is a video codec, not a container. It gives about the same quality as H.264 at roughly half the size, so iPhones, GoPros and drones use it by default. The catch is compatibility: many Windows PCs, older phones and websites cannot decode it without extra licences.
HEVC is mainly used for iPhone, drone and action-camera video and 4K streaming. It plays on recent iPhones, Macs, newer Android phones and smart TVs; many Windows PCs need the paid HEVC extension.
HEVC at a glance
| Full name | High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265) |
|---|---|
| Type | Video |
| Created by | ITU-T and ISO/IEC (JCT-VC), 2013 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | HEVC (H.265) + AAC |
| Can be created here | No, HEVC can be opened and converted to other formats |
Pros and cons of HEVC
Good
- About half the size of H.264 at similar quality
- Good for 4K and HDR
Not so good
- Patchy support on Windows, older Android phones and browsers
- Slow to encode
Common HEVC problems and fixes
An iPhone video plays as black screen or will not open on Windows
It is HEVC. Convert it to MP4 (H.264).
Popular HEVC conversions
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an HEVC file?
HEVC files play on recent iPhones, Macs, newer Android phones and smart TVs; many Windows PCs need the paid HEVC extension. If yours will not open, convert it to MP4 on this page; that format plays on any device.
Can I convert to HEVC?
No. HEVC files can be opened here but not created, because HEVC encoding is far too slow to run inside a web browser. You can convert HEVC files to any other format.
Is the HEVC converter free?
Yes, completely free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Files up to 1 GB each can be converted, and there is no daily limit.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Is HEVC lossy?
Yes, HEVC normally uses lossy compression, which removes detail you are unlikely to notice to keep files small.