File Formats Explained
Plain-English explainers for common file formats: what they are, where they cause problems, and how to convert them without uploading.
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC is the photo format iPhones use by default. What it is, why it's smaller than JPG, where it doesn't open, and how to convert it without uploading.
What is a WebP file?
WebP is Google's image format for the web: smaller than JPG and PNG, with transparency and animation. What it is, where it doesn't work, and how to convert it.
What is a MOV file?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime video format used by iPhones and Macs. What's inside it, why it won't play everywhere, and how to convert MOV to MP4 privately.
What is an MKV file?
MKV (Matroska) is an open video container that can hold many audio and subtitle tracks. What it is, why some devices won't play it, and how to convert MKV to MP4.
What is a FLAC file?
FLAC is a free lossless audio format: CD-quality sound in about half the size of WAV. What it is, when to use it, and how to convert FLAC privately.
What is an AVIF file?
AVIF is a modern image format built on the AV1 video codec, often smaller than WebP and JPG. What it is, where it's supported, and its trade-offs.