HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is becoming increasingly popular, especially among iPhone and modern camera users. It offers smaller file sizes with higher image quality, making it an attractive format for photographers and content creators.
However, when it comes to WordPress, HEIC support is not enabled by default on all sites. In this article, we’ll explain why, what is required to use HEIC images in WordPress, and how to enable proper support on your hosting environment.
Why HEIC Uploads Don’t Always Work in WordPress
WordPress itself can accept HEIC files, but uploading a file is only half the story.
To properly use images in WordPress, the server must be able to:
- Read the image
- Generate thumbnails
- Resize and optimize it
This image processing is handled by PHP image libraries, not WordPress core.
👉 HEIC requires the Imagick PHP extension with HEIC support enabled.
If this requirement is not met, HEIC uploads may:
- Fail silently
- Upload without thumbnails
- Show errors during processing
- Break galleries or layouts
The Key Requirement: Imagick PHP Extension
WordPress can work with two image libraries:
- GD (default on many servers)
- Imagick (more powerful, but optional)
Important:
- ❌ GD does not support HEIC
- ✅ Imagick can support HEIC, but only if compiled with libheif
Simply having Imagick installed is not enough — it must be built with HEIC/HEIF support at the server level.
Why Hosting Configuration Matters
HEIC support must be enabled by your hosting provider.
At the server level, this typically requires:
- ImageMagick 7+
libheifinstalled- PHP Imagick extension compiled with HEIC support
On many shared hosting plans, HEIC is disabled by default due to:
- Resource usage
- Security policies
- Outdated ImageMagick builds
That’s why two WordPress sites can behave completely differently with the same plugin or theme.
What You Should Do If HEIC Uploads Don’t Work
1️⃣ Contact your hosting provider
Ask them specifically: Does my server have PHP Imagick installed with HEIC (libheif) support enabled?
2️⃣ Enable Imagick with HEIC support
If you’re on a VPS or dedicated server, your hosting provider can install or recompile the necessary libraries.
3️⃣ Use JPG or PNG as a fallback
Until HEIC support is available, converting images before upload ensures compatibility.
How Re Gallery Plugin Handles HEIC Uploads
To provide a better user experience, the gallery:
- Detects whether Imagick with HEIC support is available
- Warns users when HEIC uploads are not supported
- Prevents broken or partially processed uploads
- Clearly explains what is required to enable HEIC
This avoids confusion and ensures your galleries always work as expected.