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What is HEIFS?

HEIF Sequence, burst photo format from Apple cameras — stored as image/heif-sequence — uses lossy encoding to handle ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos. Typical file sizes: varies by content.

What is X3F?

Sigma Raw (X3F) contains raw sensor data from Sigma cameras using the unique Foveon X3 sensor technology.

When Should You Use HEIFS vs X3F?

Use HEIFS When...

Reach for HEIFS when your priority is ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

Use X3F When...

Reach for X3F when your priority is sigma/foveon camera raw processing — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

HEIFS vs X3F: Key Differences

  • •HEIFS and X3F diverge on compression: lossy compression for the source, lossless compression for the target.
  • •Moving from HEIFS (lossless) to X3F (lossless) means the output file will be larger — but every bit of the original is preserved.
  • •Alpha channel support: X3F lacks transparency support.
  • •File sizes: HEIFS files typically range N/A and X3F files 25-60MB per photo.
  • •Use case fit: HEIFS targets ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos and X3F targets sigma/foveon camera raw processing — your choice depends on which workflow stage you are serving.

Advantages of HEIFS

  • ✓HEIFS applies lossy compression specifically calibrated for iOS burst photos, Live Photos, motion photos.
  • ✓HEIFS enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
  • ✓HEIFS delivers impressive compression ratios, shrinking files dramatically while keeping visual quality high.
  • ✓You will find HEIFS support built into virtually every tool that handles iOS burst photos, Live Photos, motion photos — no plugins or converters needed.

Advantages of X3F

  • ✓X3F compresses data using lossless methods, keeping file sizes manageable for Sigma/Foveon camera raw processing.
  • ✓Industry-wide support means X3F files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
  • ✓Lossless quality makes X3F the gold standard for archival and master copies.
  • ✓From professional software to open-source alternatives, X3F works out of the box.

Common Use Cases for HEIFS to X3F Conversion

  • Mobile app UI assets
  • Product photography for marketplaces
  • Digital art portfolios
  • Brochure and flyer design
  • Newsletter graphics
  • Video thumbnail creation

Industry Applications

Brand ManagementContent ManagementMedical ImagingReal Estate PhotographyGame DevelopmentScientific Visualization

Best Practices for HEIFS to X3F Conversion

  • →When converting HEIFS to X3F, check whether X3F supports transparency — if not, your transparent areas will be filled with a solid color
  • →Use X3F for maximum quality archival and HEIFS for smaller file sizes when quality is less critical
  • →Optimize images for web to reduce page load times — tools like our converter let you adjust quality settings before conversion
  • →Maintain original aspect ratio to avoid distortion during conversion
  • →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
  • →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Related Article

JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

Learn more about HEIFS and X3F formats in our detailed guide.

Troubleshooting HEIFS to X3F Conversion

  • !Converting HEIFS to X3F gives blurry output → increase the quality setting before conversion
  • !Colors look different in X3F than HEIFS → check color profile mismatch (sRGB vs Adobe RGB)
  • !File size changed more than expected → X3F uses different compression, file size differences of 2-5x are normal
  • !Transparent areas in HEIFS turned white in X3F → X3F may not support transparency

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Convert HEIFS to X3F Online - Free & Fast

Convert HEIFS files to X3F online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

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About HEIFS and X3F

HEIFS

HEIFS (HEIFS) - HEIF Sequence, burst photo format from Apple cameras. Best for ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos.

X3F

X3F (Sigma X3F raw) - Sigma Raw, Foveon X3 sensor raw format. Ideal for sigma/foveon camera raw processing.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossy → Lossless
TransparencySupported
Use CaseConvert from ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos to sigma/foveon camera raw processing
File Size~25-60MB per photo after conversion

FAQs

Is converting HEIFS to X3F free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of HEIFS to X3F for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert HEIFS to X3F?

Most HEIFS to X3F conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is X3F best used for?

X3F is ideal for sigma/foveon camera raw processing. Sigma Raw, Foveon X3 sensor raw format

Does converting HEIFS to X3F lose quality?

No, converting HEIFS to X3F does not cause additional quality loss — X3F uses lossless compression. However, any artifacts already present in the original HEIFS file will persist in the X3F output.

What file size should I expect after converting HEIFS to X3F?

X3F files are typically 2-5x larger than equivalent HEIFS files because X3F preserves all pixel data. This is expected and necessary for lossless quality.

Will transparency be preserved when converting HEIFS to X3F?

Yes, X3F supports transparency. Alpha channel information from HEIFS is preserved during conversion.

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