How to Change HEIC to JPG: Ultimate Guide for Converting Apple Photos

How to Change HEIC to JPG: Complete Conversion Guide

Are you struggling with HEIC files from your iPhone or iPad that won’t open on your Windows PC or other devices? You’re not alone. Apple’s High Efficiency Image Format (HEIC) offers excellent compression without sacrificing quality, but its limited compatibility can be frustrating. Fortunately, converting HEIC to JPG is simpler than you might think.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore multiple methods to convert these stubborn files into universally compatible JPGs across all your devices. Whether you’re a professional photographer managing extensive portfolios or simply wanting to share vacation photos with friends, these conversion techniques will ensure your images are accessible to everyone.

Understanding HEIC Format: Why Apple Uses It

Before diving into conversion methods, let’s understand why Apple adopted this format in the first place. HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) was introduced with iOS 11 as Apple’s implementation of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard. This wasn’t just a random change—it came with significant advantages.

HEIC files typically take up about half the storage space of equivalent JPG files while maintaining similar or better image quality. For devices with limited storage capacity, this efficiency is a substantial benefit, allowing users to store nearly twice as many photos in the same amount of space.

The format also supports 16-bit color compared to JPG’s 8-bit, translating to a broader range of colors and more accurate representation of what you see through your camera lens. Additionally, HEIC supports transparency and can store multiple images in a single file—perfect for Live Photos and image sequences.

However, this impressive technology comes with a significant drawback: compatibility. Many non-Apple platforms, older software, and websites don’t support HEIC files natively, creating the need for conversion to more universal formats like JPG.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac

Mac users have several built-in options for converting HEIC files to JPG without installing additional software. Let’s explore the most efficient methods.

Using Preview App

The Preview app, pre-installed on all Macs, offers a straightforward conversion process:

1. Open the HEIC file with Preview (double-click the file)
2. Click on File in the menu bar
3. Select Export from the dropdown menu
4. Choose JPEG from the format options
5. Adjust quality slider if needed (higher quality means larger file size)
6. Select your desired save location
7. Click Save

This method is perfect for converting individual files or small batches quickly.

Using Photos App

The Photos app provides another convenient option:

1. Import your HEIC images into the Photos app
2. Select the photos you want to convert
3. Click File > Export > Export Photos
4. In the dialog box, select JPEG as the format
5. Choose your preferred quality setting
6. Click Export and select a destination folder

This method works exceptionally well for converting multiple images simultaneously.

Using Automator for Batch Conversion

For large-scale conversions, Automator provides a powerful solution:

1. Open Automator from your Applications folder
2. Create a new Quick Action or Application
3. Search for and add the Copy Finder Items action (set destination folder)
4. Add the Change Type of Images action
5. Set the format to JPEG
6. Save your workflow

Once created, you can run this automation on any number of HEIC files by selecting them in Finder, right-clicking, and choosing your workflow from the Services menu.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows

Windows users have several options for handling HEIC files, from installing codecs to using third-party tools.

Installing HEIC Codecs

Microsoft offers official HEIC codec extensions that enable Windows to natively open these files:

1. Visit the Microsoft Store
2. Search for “HEIF Image Extensions”
3. Download and install the free extension
4. For full functionality, also install “HEVC Video Extensions”

Once installed, Windows Photos app can open HEIC files, and you can save them as JPG by using the Export or Save As options.

Using HEICtoJPG.com Online Converter

HEICtoJPG.com offers a seamless online conversion experience without requiring any software installation. This service stands out for its simplicity and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for quick conversions.

The process is remarkably straightforward:

1. Visit HEICtoJPG.com in any web browser
2. Drag and drop your HEIC files onto the conversion area (or click to browse and select files)
3. Wait briefly as the files upload and convert automatically
4. Download your converted JPG images individually or as a ZIP archive

What makes HEICtoJPG.com particularly valuable is its privacy-focused approach. All conversions happen in your browser, meaning your images aren’t stored on external servers. This ensures your personal photos remain private throughout the conversion process.

The service also handles batch conversions efficiently, allowing you to process multiple HEIC files simultaneously without compromising speed or quality. Whether you need to convert a single image or hundreds from your last vacation, the platform scales to meet your needs.

Additionally, HEICtoJPG.com maintains the original image quality during conversion, ensuring your precious memories don’t lose clarity or detail in the process. The resulting JPG files retain the visual fidelity of your original HEIC images while providing universal compatibility across devices and platforms.

Using File Explorer and Paint

For a built-in solution without additional downloads:

1. Right-click on the HEIC file
2. Select Open with > Paint
3. In Paint, click File > Save as > JPEG picture
4. Choose your save location and click Save

This method works for individual files but becomes tedious for multiple conversions.

Using IrfanView

The popular image viewer IrfanView can handle HEIC files with the right plugins:

1. Download and install IrfanView
2. Download and install the IrfanView plugins package
3. Open the HEIC file in IrfanView
4. Press S or go to File > Save as
5. Select JPG as the output format
6. Adjust quality settings if desired
7. Click Save

IrfanView also offers batch conversion capabilities through its File > Batch Conversion feature, making it ideal for processing multiple images.

Converting HEIC to JPG on iPhone and iPad

Interestingly, you can also convert HEIC to JPG directly on your iOS device, eliminating the need to transfer files to a computer.

Changing Camera Settings

To prevent future HEIC files and capture images directly as JPG:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
2. Scroll down and tap Camera
3. Select Formats
4. Choose Most Compatible instead of High Efficiency

This setting ensures all new photos will be saved as JPG files, though you’ll lose the storage benefits of HEIC.

Using the Photos App to Export

For existing HEIC files:

1. Open the Photos app
2. Select the HEIC image you want to convert
3. Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
4. Scroll down and select Copy Photo
5. Open an app that supports JPG (like Notes or Mail)
6. Paste the image (it automatically converts to JPG)
7. Save the converted image back to your Photos

Alternatively, you can email the photo to yourself, which also converts it to JPG during the process.

Using Shortcuts App

For a more automated approach:

1. Open the Shortcuts app
2. Tap the + button to create a new shortcut
3. Add the Select Photos action
4. Add the Convert Image action and set format to JPEG
5. Add the Save to Photo Album action
6. Name and save your shortcut

Now you can run this shortcut whenever you need to convert HEIC images to JPG.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Android

If you’ve received HEIC files on your Android device, these methods will help you view and convert them.

Using Google Photos

Google Photos can handle HEIC files and convert them during the sharing process:

1. Open the HEIC image in Google Photos
2. Tap the Share icon
3. Choose an app like Gmail or WhatsApp
4. When you share the image, it automatically converts to JPG
5. You can then save the JPG version back to your device

Using File Converter Apps

Several Android apps specialize in HEIC conversion:

1. HEIC to JPEG Converter: Simple interface for quick conversions
2. Luma: Photo & Video AI: Advanced editor with format conversion capabilities
3. File Converter: Multi-format converter supporting various file types

These apps typically follow a similar workflow:

1. Install the app from Google Play Store
2. Open the app and grant storage permissions
3. Select your HEIC files
4. Choose JPG as the output format
5. Tap Convert or similar button
6. Access your converted files in the specified output folder

Online HEIC to JPG Conversion Services

Web-based converters offer platform-independent solutions accessible from any device with an internet connection. Beyond HEICtoJPG.com, several other services exist, though they may not offer the same level of privacy protection and user experience.

Using Cloud Storage Services

Both Google Drive and Dropbox can assist with conversions:

Google Drive Method:

1. Upload your HEIC file to Google Drive
2. Open the file in Drive (it automatically converts for viewing)
3. Download the file—it will save as JPG

Dropbox Method:

1. Upload your HEIC file to Dropbox
2. Open the file in the Dropbox web interface
3. Click the Download button
4. The downloaded file will be in JPG format

Command Line Conversion Methods

For technically inclined users, command-line tools offer powerful batch processing capabilities.

Using ImageMagick

ImageMagick is a powerful cross-platform tool:

1. Install ImageMagick for your operating system
2. Open Terminal (Mac/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows)
3. Navigate to the folder containing your HEIC files
4. Use the command: magick convert input.heic output.jpg
5. For batch conversion: magick mogrify -format jpg *.heic

Using libheif and libde265

These libraries provide low-level conversion capabilities:

1. Install libheif and its dependencies
2. Use the heif-convert tool: heif-convert input.heic output.jpg

These command-line methods are especially useful for server environments or automated workflows.

Preserving Image Quality During Conversion

When converting between formats, maintaining image quality should be a priority.

Understanding Quality Settings

Most conversion tools offer quality settings, typically on a scale of 0-100 for JPG output. Higher values preserve more detail but result in larger file sizes. For most purposes, a setting of 85-95 provides an excellent balance between quality and file size.

Tips for Optimal Conversion

1. Check metadata preservation: Ensure your conversion method preserves important EXIF data like camera settings and location
2. Use lossless conversion when possible: Some tools offer lossless conversion options that minimize quality degradation
3. Compare before and after: Visually inspect converted images to ensure satisfactory results
4. Back up originals: Always keep your original HEIC files as a backup before conversion

Automating HEIC to JPG Conversion

For photographers and professionals dealing with large volumes of images, automation can save considerable time.

Setting Up Folder Actions on Mac

Folder Actions can automatically convert HEIC files when they’re added to a specific folder:

1. Create an Automator workflow as described earlier
2. Save it as a Folder Action instead
3. Select the folder you want to monitor
4. Now any HEIC file added to this folder will automatically convert to JPG

Using Scripts and Scheduled Tasks on Windows

PowerShell or batch scripts can be scheduled to run at regular intervals:

1. Create a script using PowerShell or a third-party conversion tool
2. Set up a scheduled task in Task Scheduler
3. Configure the task to run at your preferred frequency
4. Specify the folders to monitor for new HEIC files

Troubleshooting Common Conversion Issues

Even with the right tools, you might encounter challenges during conversion.

Handling Corrupt HEIC Files

If a HEIC file won’t convert properly:

1. Try opening it in its original device/application to verify integrity
2. Use repair tools like Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery
3. Try multiple conversion methods—some are more tolerant of minor corruptions

Dealing with Large Batches

When converting hundreds or thousands of images:

1. Split into smaller batches to avoid memory issues
2. Use tools specifically designed for batch processing
3. Consider command-line tools which often handle large volumes more efficiently

Solving Compatibility Issues

If converted JPGs still don’t work in certain applications:

1. Check if the application requires specific JPG variants (like progressive JPG)
2. Try converting to other formats like PNG as an intermediate step
3. Ensure you’re using the latest version of your conversion tool

Future of Image Formats: HEIC vs. JPG

Understanding the trajectory of image format technology can help you make informed decisions about your conversion strategy.

Emerging Formats

While HEIC and JPG dominate current discussions, several other formats are gaining traction:

1. AVIF: A newer format based on AV1 video codec, offering even better compression than HEIC
2. WebP: Google’s format providing good compression for web images
3. JPEG XL: The next evolution of JPEG, promising better compression and features

Long-term Compatibility Considerations

When deciding whether to convert or store in original formats:

1. JPG remains the most universally compatible format and will likely remain supported for decades
2. HEIC adoption is growing but may never reach JPG’s ubiquity
3. Consider archiving important images in multiple formats for future-proofing

Conclusion: Choosing the Right HEIC to JPG Conversion Method

With the multitude of conversion options available, selecting the right approach depends on your specific needs:

1. For occasional one-off conversions: Online services like HEICtoJPG.com offer convenience without software installation
2. For regular conversions on desktop: Built-in tools like Preview (Mac) or installed codecs (Windows) provide seamless integration
3. For professional workflows: Command-line tools or specialized software with batch processing capabilities offer efficiency at scale
4. For mobile conversions: Native apps or adjusting camera settings provide on-device solutions

Regardless of your chosen method, converting HEIC to JPG enables broader compatibility while sacrificing some storage efficiency. By employing the techniques outlined in this guide, you can ensure your Apple photos are accessible across all your devices and shareable with anyone, regardless of their technology ecosystem.

Remember that HEICtoJPG.com offers a particularly streamlined experience with privacy protection, making it an excellent choice for users seeking simplicity and security in their conversion process.

With these tools and knowledge, you can navigate the world of image formats confidently, ensuring your precious memories and important visuals remain accessible regardless of technological changes or platform restrictions.