Design and Implementation of a Python-Based LIVP Live Photo Conversion Tool
Abstract
This paper presents the design and implementation of a Python-based conversion tool for Apple Live Photo files (.livp). The tool converts .livp files into standard image formats (JPEG/HEIC/PNG) by renaming them to .zip and extracting the static images while optionally removing the embedded short video (.mov). It supports one-click batch processing of all .livp files within a folder. The software adopts a modular design, consisting of file renaming, batch decompression, temporary file cleaning, and a Tkinter-based graphical user interface (GUI). A multithreading mechanism ensures a smooth user experience without interface freezing. With a compact size of approximately 10.7 MB, the software is easy to deploy and suitable for users who need to batch-convert Live Photos into static images. This paper introduces the system design, key implementation details, performance analysis, and potential improvements, providing references for developing lightweight format conversion applications.
References
Apple Inc., n.d., Live Photos. https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/live-photos
Apple Inc., n.d., “LivePhoto” (UTType). https://developer.apple.com/documentation/uniformtypeid entifiers/uttype-swift.struct/livephoto
Filext, n.d., LIVP File Extension: What is it? How to Open a LIVP File? https://filext.com/file-extension/LIVP
Stack Overflow Contributors, 2015, Apple Live Photo File Format. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/32508375/apple-live-photo-file-format
Library of Congress Preservation, 2020, High Efficiency Image File Format, HEIC/HEIX Brands. https://www.loc.gov/preservation/digital/formats/fdd/fdd000526.shtml
Python Software Foundation, n.d., Tkinter: Python Interface to Tcl/Tk. https://docs.python.org/3/library/tkinter.html
PyInstaller Developers, n.d., PyInstaller Manual. https://www.pyinstaller.org/