Image preparation

How to prepare a HEIC photo for image search

If a search service rejects a HEIC file, export a JPEG copy with a real image converter. Renaming the extension does not change the encoding inside the file.

Preserve the original first

Keep the HEIC as your source and export a separate copy using your device's photo or preview application. Choose a normal photo size rather than a tiny messaging preset. Review the copy before uploading: orientation, colour and crop should still match the original.

Check the destination requirements

  1. Read the service's supported formats and file-size limit.
  2. Export JPEG or another explicitly supported format.
  3. Open the exported file locally to confirm it works.
  4. Remove unnecessary location information from the upload copy where your export settings allow it.

Facehunch's Facehunch workspace accepts JPG, PNG and WebP up to 10 MB. A HEIC file is not accepted simply because your phone can preview it. Its FaceCheck connection remains in restricted test mode, so successful conversion does not change search coverage.

Diagnose a second rejection

If the converted file still fails, check size and actual file type before converting it again. A cloud-library placeholder may need downloading first. Use a local copy of a photograph you are entitled to upload, and keep the unmodified original for later comparison.

Continue with photo formats and metadata.

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