Thumbnails not displaying correctly

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 70 views

Introduction

Upgrading to a new version of Ubuntu can be an exciting experience, but it can also bring its own set of challenges. One such issue that many users have reported after upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 is the broken support for HEIF/HEIC image files. In this article, we will delve into the problem, explore possible causes, and provide a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue.

Understanding HEIF/HEIC Image Files

HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) and HEIC (High Efficiency Image Coding) are modern image file formats that offer improved compression and quality compared to traditional formats like JPEG. These formats are widely used in various applications, including mobile devices, cameras, and social media platforms.

Symptoms of Broken HEIF/HEIC Support

If you have upgraded to Ubuntu 24.04 and are experiencing issues with HEIF/HEIC image files, you may notice the following symptoms:

Graphic programs not supporting HEIF/HEIC files: Applications like GIMP, eog, and other image editors may not be able to open or display HEIF/HEIC files.
Error messages when trying to open HEIF/HEIC files: You may encounter error messages when attempting to open or view HEIF/HEIC files in graphic programs or other applications.
Thumbnails not displaying correctly: Although thumbnails may work in the Files application, they may not display correctly in other applications or when using certain file managers.

Possible Causes of Broken HEIF/HEIC Support

There are several possible causes for broken HEIF/HEIC support after upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04. Some of these causes include:

Missing or outdated HEIF/HEIC codecs: The HEIF/HEIC codecs may not be installed or may be outdated, leading to compatibility issues.
Incorrect file associations: The file associations for HEIF/HEIC files may be incorrect, causing applications to not recognize or open these files correctly.
Conflicting packages or dependencies: Conflicting packages or dependencies may be causing issues with the HEIF/HEIC support.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot and potentially fix the broken HEIF/HEIC support, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check and Install HEIF/HEIC Codecs

First, check if the HEIF/HEIC codecs are installed on your system. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:

dpkg -s libheif1

If the codecs are not installed, you can install them using the following command:

sudo apt install libheif1

Step 2: Check File Associations

Next, check if the file associations for HEIF/HEIC files are correct. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:

xdg-mime query default image/x-heif

This command will display the default application associated with HEIF/HEIC files. If the application is not set correctly, you can set it using the following command:

xdg-mime default eog image/x-heif

Replace eog with the application of your choice.

Step 3: Check for Conflicting Packages or Dependencies

Finally, check for any conflicting packages or dependencies that may be causing issues with the HEIF/HEIC support. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt autoremove

This command will remove any unnecessary packages or dependencies that may be causing conflicts.

Step 4: Reinstall Graphic Programs

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, try reinstalling the graphic programs that are not supporting HEIF/HEIC files. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt install --reinstall gimp

Replace gimp with the name of the graphic program you want to reinstall.

Conclusion

Broken HEIF/HEIC support after upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 can be a frustrating issue, but it is often caused by missing or outdated codecs, incorrect file associations, or conflicting packages or dependencies. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy seamless support for HEIF/HEIC image files in your graphic programs.

Additional Resources

For more information on HEIF/HEIC image files and their support in Ubuntu, you can refer to the following resources:

Q: What is HEIF/HEIC image format?

A: HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) and HEIC (High Efficiency Image Coding) are modern image file formats that offer improved compression and quality compared to traditional formats like JPEG. These formats are widely used in various applications, including mobile devices, cameras, and social media platforms.

Q: Why is HEIF/HEIC support broken in Ubuntu 24.04?

A: Broken HEIF/HEIC support in Ubuntu 24.04 can be caused by missing or outdated HEIF/HEIC codecs, incorrect file associations, or conflicting packages or dependencies.

Q: How do I check if HEIF/HEIC codecs are installed on my system?

A: You can check if HEIF/HEIC codecs are installed on your system by running the following command in the terminal:

dpkg -s libheif1

If the codecs are not installed, you can install them using the following command:

sudo apt install libheif1

Q: How do I set the default application for HEIF/HEIC files?

A: You can set the default application for HEIF/HEIC files by running the following command in the terminal:

xdg-mime default eog image/x-heif

Replace eog with the application of your choice.

Q: How do I remove conflicting packages or dependencies?

A: You can remove conflicting packages or dependencies by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt autoremove

Q: How do I reinstall graphic programs that are not supporting HEIF/HEIC files?

A: You can reinstall graphic programs that are not supporting HEIF/HEIC files by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt install --reinstall gimp

Replace gimp with the name of the graphic program you want to reinstall.

Q: Why are thumbnails not displaying correctly in some applications?

A: Thumbnails may not display correctly in some applications due to incorrect file associations or conflicting packages or dependencies.

Q: How do I troubleshoot and fix the issue with HEIF/HEIC support?

A: To troubleshoot and fix the issue with HEIF/HEIC support, follow the steps outlined in the article "Broken HEIF/HEIC Support after Upgrade to 24.04: A Troubleshooting Guide".

Q: Where can I find more information about HEIF/HEIC image files and their support in Ubuntu?

A: You can find more information about HEIF/HEIC image files and their support in Ubuntu by referring to the following resources:

By following the steps outlined in this article and exploring the additional resources provided, you should be able to troubleshoot and potentially fix the broken HEIF/HEIC support in your Ubuntu 24.04 system.