What is the HEIC format?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) has been the default photo format on iPhones since iOS 11. Apple chose this format because it compresses photos to half the size of a JPG while keeping the same quality. This saves a huge amount of storage space on your iPhone.

The problem is that HEIC is not universally supported. Windows computers, older software and many websites cannot open HEIC files. That is why you often need to convert HEIC to the widely supported JPG format.

Setting your iPhone to JPG instead of HEIC

You can set your iPhone to use JPG for photos automatically, so you never have to convert again.

Changing the camera settings

Go to Settings on your iPhone, scroll to Camera and tap it. Tap 'Formats'. Here you see two options: 'High Efficiency' (HEIC) and 'Most Compatible' (JPG). Choose 'Most Compatible' to shoot in JPG from now on.

Note: this uses more storage space. A 64 GB iPhone can fill up noticeably faster with JPG than with HEIC. Consider whether the compatibility is worth the extra space.

Automatic conversion when sharing

A handy middle ground: keep HEIC but let the iPhone convert automatically when you share. Go to Settings, Photos and scroll to 'Transfer to Mac or PC'. Choose 'Automatic': the iPhone then converts to JPG when transferring.

HEIC to JPG on Windows

Installing HEIF Image Extensions

Windows 10 and 11 can support HEIC with the right extensions. Open the Microsoft Store and search for 'HEIF Image Extensions'. Install this free extension. After that, Windows can display and open HEIC files.

After installation you can open HEIC files in the Photos app. To convert to JPG, open the photo, click the three dots and choose 'Save as'. Select JPG as the format.

Online converters

The fastest method is an online converter. Go to heictojpg.com or ilovepdf.com/heic-to-jpg. Drag your HEIC files onto the website and download the converted JPGs. Most tools are free for a limited number of files.

HEIC to JPG on Mac

Mac computers open HEIC files without any problems, but you may want to convert them to share with Windows users.

Using Preview

Open the HEIC file in Preview. Go to File and choose 'Export'. In the dialog box, select JPEG as the format. Choose the quality you want and click 'Save'. The file is saved as a JPG.

Multiple files at once in Preview

You can select multiple HEIC files in Finder, right-click and choose 'Open With Preview'. Select all photos in the Preview sidebar (Cmd+A), go to File, 'Export Selected Images' and choose JPEG as the format.

Using Automator

For regular conversions you can create an Automator workflow. Open Automator, create a 'Quick Action' and add the action 'Change Type of Images'. Set it to JPEG. Now you can right-click HEIC files in Finder and use the quick action.

Online tools for HEIC conversion

heictojpg.com

This website is designed specifically for HEIC conversion. Drag up to 50 files onto the page at once. The conversion happens in your browser, so files are not uploaded to a server, which is good for privacy. Download the JPGs individually or as a ZIP.

CloudConvert

CloudConvert supports countless formats, including HEIC to JPG. Upload your files, choose the target format and click 'Convert'. The free version offers 25 conversions per day. You can also adjust quality and size.

iLoveIMG

iLoveIMG is a versatile image editor with HEIC conversion. Go to iloveimg.com and choose 'Convert to JPG'. Upload your HEIC files and download the converted versions. The tool is fast and free for basic use.

Apps for HEIC conversion

HEIC Converter (Windows)

The free HEIC Converter from the Microsoft Store converts files locally. Install the app, add HEIC files, choose JPG as the output format and click 'Convert'. This works offline and is safe for sensitive photos.

iMazing HEIC Converter (Windows/Mac)

iMazing offers a free HEIC converter for Windows and Mac. Download it from imazing.com, install it and drag your HEIC files into the program. Choose JPEG or PNG and convert. The program preserves EXIF data such as date and location.

Converting HEIC on your phone

On iPhone

You can convert HEIC photos by copying them to the Files app. Open Photos, select photos, tap Share and choose 'Save to Files'. The photos are converted to JPG when saved to Files (if the automatic setting is turned on).

There are also apps such as 'HEIC Converter' in the App Store that offer batch conversion with more control over quality and output location.

On Android

Most Android phones take JPG photos by default and do not have a HEIC problem. If you receive HEIC files from an iPhone, use Google Photos or a converter app from the Play Store to open and convert them.

Tips and points to watch

Converting HEIC to JPG is a lossy operation: you lose HEIC's superior compression. Keep your original HEIC files as a backup, especially for important photos.

Pay attention to privacy with online tools. Some upload files to servers. For sensitive photos, you are better off using local software or tools that process files in the browser without uploading.

EXIF data (date, location, camera settings) is usually preserved during conversion, but check this with the tool you choose if this information matters to you.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my iPhone take HEIC instead of JPG?

Apple has used HEIC as the default since iOS 11 because it is 50% smaller than JPG at the same quality. This saves storage space. You can change this in Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible.

Do I lose quality when converting HEIC to JPG?

There may be a minimal loss of quality because JPG uses a different compression algorithm. In practice, most users will not see this difference. Choose a high quality setting (90-100%) for the best result.

Can Windows 11 open HEIC files?

Yes, but you need to install the free 'HEIF Image Extensions' from the Microsoft Store. After that, Windows can display and edit HEIC files. Some features also require 'HEVC Video Extensions'.

Can I open HEIC files in Photoshop?

Yes, recent versions of Photoshop (CC 2020 and newer) support HEIC files. On Windows you do need to have the HEIF Image Extensions installed. Older Photoshop versions require conversion to JPG.

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