The fastest way: use the Preview app that's already on your Mac

Open the HEIC photo in Preview (the default app when you double-click an image). Go to File in the menu bar, then Export As. A dialog box opens. At the bottom, you'll see a dropdown that says "Format" — click it and select JPEG. Choose where to save the file, name it, and click Save. The conversion happens when ready.

This method works for single photos and takes about 30 seconds per image. You don't need to read anything or pay for software. If you have many photos to convert, this becomes tedious quickly, which is why the next section covers a faster batch option.

Key Takeaways

  • Preview, which comes built into every Mac, can convert one HEIC photo to JPG in under a minute using File > Export As.
  • The Automator app (also built in) can convert dozens of photos at once by creating a workflow that runs on a folder.
  • You can also drag HEIC files into Photos app, right-click, and export as JPEG without opening each one separately.
  • Online converters exist but require uploading your photos to someone else's server, which poses privacy risks for sensitive images.

Converting multiple photos at once with Automator

If you have 10 or more HEIC files to convert, Automator (built into macOS) saves time. Open Automator from your Applications folder. Choose New, then select Quick Action. In the search box on the left, type "image" and drag Change Type of Images into the workflow area on the right.

In that action block, set the image type dropdown to JPEG. You can also adjust quality (higher quality = larger file size). Save the workflow with a name like "Convert to JPG". Now you can right-click any HEIC file or folder of HEIC files, go to Quick Actions, and select your new workflow. All files convert at once.

This method works on any Mac running macOS 10.13 or later. The converted JPG files appear in the same folder as the originals, so you don't lose track of them.

Using the Photos app if your images are already there

If your HEIC photos are in the Photos app on your Mac, you don't need Preview or Automator. Select the photos you want to convert (click one, then hold Shift and click another to select a range, or hold Command and click individual photos). Right-click and choose Export. A dialog opens where you can set the format to JPEG and choose a location to save.

This is the simplest route if you're already working inside Photos. The downside is that Photos doesn't let you convert directly within the app — you have to export them, which creates separate JPG files rather than replacing the originals.

Why HEIC and JPG matter for your workflow

Your Mac takes photos in HEIC format (High Efficiency Image Container) because it's newer and creates smaller files with the same visual quality as JPG. But not every device, website, or person can open HEIC files. Older phones, Windows computers, and many online services only recognize JPG.

Converting to JPG makes your photos shareable everywhere. The trade-off is file size — a JPG version of the same photo will be slightly larger than the HEIC original. For most people, the difference is small enough that it doesn't matter. If you're storing thousands of photos and space is tight, keeping HEIC originals and converting only the ones you need to share saves storage.

When to use online converters and why to be cautious

Websites like CloudConvert, Zamzar, and Online-Convert let you upload HEIC files and read JPG versions without installing software. They work on any device with a browser. But uploading photos to someone else's server means those images pass through their systems, and you're trusting their privacy policy to keep them private.

For family photos, vacation pictures, or anything you wouldn't want shared, use Preview or Automator instead — both keep your files on your own Mac. Online converters make sense only if you're converting a non-sensitive image and you don't have access to a Mac at that moment.

Batch converting with third-party apps

Apps like ImageMagick (free, command-line based) and Permute (paid, graphical interface) can convert hundreds of photos in minutes. ImageMagick requires typing commands in Terminal, which is faster than clicking through dialogs but steeper if you've never used the command line. Permute has a drag-and-drop interface and costs about $30.

For most people, Automator is enough. These tools are worth learning only if you convert images regularly as part of your work — photographers, designers, or people managing large photo libraries. If you convert a few batches a year, the time you save doesn't justify learning new software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the JPG look the same as the HEIC original?

Yes, to your eye. Both formats compress the image, but JPEG compression is visible only when you zoom in very close or print at large sizes. For screen viewing and sharing, the difference is undetectable. If you're printing large photos or doing professional editing, keep the HEIC original and only convert copies for sharing.

Can I convert JPG back to HEIC?

Yes, using the same methods — Preview's Export As, Automator, or the Photos app. But converting JPG to HEIC won't recover quality lost in the original JPG compression. Always keep your original HEIC files if you might need them later.

What if Preview doesn't open my HEIC file?

This is rare on modern Macs (macOS 10.13 and later support HEIC natively). If it happens, try opening the file in the Photos app instead, or check that your Mac's system software is current by going to System Settings > General > Software Update.

Do I need to delete the HEIC files after converting?

No. The conversion creates a new JPG file; it doesn't touch the original HEIC. You can keep both, delete the HEIC to save space, or delete the JPG if you only needed it temporarily. The choice depends on whether you might need the smaller HEIC file later.

Can I set my Mac to take photos in JPG instead of HEIC?

If you're taking photos with your Mac's camera, yes — open System Settings > General > About, then look for Camera settings (this varies by macOS version). If you're importing photos from an iPhone, you can change the format in iPhone Settings > Camera > Formats, but HEIC is the default because it saves space on your phone.