HEIC is Apple's newer photo format, and JPG is the older standard that works everywhere

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the format Apple uses by default when you take photos on an iPhone or iPad. JPG (or JPEG) is an older format that nearly every device, website, and program can open. If you have HEIC photos and need to send them to someone, upload them to a website, or open them on a Windows computer, converting to JPG solves the problem.

The conversion is straightforward on any device. You do not need to buy software or use a website service — your phone or computer has the tools built in. The converted file will look identical to the original, though the file size may change slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone or iPad, use the Files app to convert HEIC to JPG by selecting the photo, tapping the three-dot menu, and choosing "Convert Image".
  • On Mac, right-click the HEIC file, select "Quick Actions", and choose "Convert Image" to save as JPG.
  • On Windows, use the built-in Photos app to open the HEIC file and export it as JPG, or use free online converters if that does not work.
  • Batch conversion (converting many files at once) is fastest on Mac using Automator or on Windows using third-party tools like XnConvert.

Converting HEIC to JPG on iPhone and iPad

Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad. Navigate to the folder where your HEIC photo is stored — usually iCloud Drive or On My iPhone. Long-press the HEIC file until a menu appears, then tap the three dots (more options) in the bottom right corner.

Tap "Convert Image". A dialog will appear asking what format you want. Select JPG from the list. The app will create a new JPG file in the same folder and leave the original HEIC file untouched. You can now share or email the JPG version.

If you have many photos to convert, this method works but takes time. For faster batch conversion on iPhone, use a free app like Image Converter or Convertio, which can process multiple files at once.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac

Locate the HEIC file in Finder. Right-click the file and look for "Quick Actions" in the menu. Click "Convert Image". A window will open showing format options — select JPG and choose where to save the converted file.

If you do not see Quick Actions, your Mac may be running an older version of macOS. Instead, open the HEIC file with Preview (the built-in image viewer), go to File menu, select "Export As", and choose JPG as the format before saving.

For converting many HEIC files at once, use Automator. Open Automator, create a new Quick Action, add the "Convert Image Format" action, set the format to JPG, and save. Then right-click any HEIC file and run your new action on a whole folder.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows

Windows does not natively open HEIC files in File Explorer, but the Photos app (built into Windows 10 and 11) can handle them. Open the Photos app, locate your HEIC file, and click it to open. Once the image is displayed, click the three dots in the top right corner and select "Edit and Create" or "Save As".

Choose JPG as the format and pick a location to save. If the Photos app does not work or you do not have it installed, use a free online converter like CloudConvert, Zamzar, or Online-Convert. Upload your HEIC file, select JPG as the output format, and read the converted file.

For batch conversion on Windows, read XnConvert (free for personal use). Open the program, drag your HEIC files into the window, set the output format to JPG, and click Convert. It will process all files at once and save them to a folder you choose.

Understanding file size and quality after conversion

HEIC files are typically smaller than JPG files because HEIC uses more efficient compression. When you convert to JPG, the file size will usually increase. The image quality remains the same — you are not losing detail, just changing the container the image sits in.

If you are uploading to a website with file size limits, the larger JPG file might matter. In that case, you can reduce quality during conversion (most converters offer a quality slider), but this will make the image slightly less sharp. For most uses, the default quality setting is fine.

Why your device created HEIC files in the first place

Apple switched to HEIC as the default format on iPhones and iPads starting with iPhone 11 and iOS 11 because it saves storage space and battery power. The format is technically superior to JPG, but most people and programs still expect JPG.

You can change your iPhone or iPad to save photos as JPG instead. Go to Settings, tap Camera, scroll to Formats, and select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency". From that point forward, new photos will be taken as JPG. This does not affect photos already on your device.

When you might want to keep HEIC instead of converting

If you are storing photos on your own devices and do not need to share them, HEIC is actually better — the files take up less space and the quality is slightly higher. Convert to JPG only when you need to send the photo somewhere or open it on a device that does not support HEIC.

If you are backing up photos to iCloud or Google Photos, both services accept HEIC and will store it in that format. You only need to convert when the receiving end (a person, a website, or a program) specifically requires JPG or does not recognize HEIC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will converting HEIC to JPG make the photo look worse?

No. The image quality stays the same because you are only changing the file format, not the actual image data. The photo will look identical on screen. The only difference is the file size, which usually increases slightly.

Can I convert HEIC to JPG on a Chromebook?

Yes, use a free online converter like CloudConvert or Zamzar. Upload your HEIC file, select JPG as the output format, and read the result. Chromebooks do not have built-in HEIC conversion tools, so online converters are the easiest option.

What if I have hundreds of photos to convert?

Use batch conversion tools: Automator on Mac, XnConvert on Windows, or a free app like Image Converter on iPhone. These process multiple files at once instead of one at a time, saving hours of work.

Do I need to delete the original HEIC file after converting?

No. Conversion creates a new JPG file and leaves the original HEIC untouched. You can delete the HEIC file if you want to save storage space, but the conversion itself does not remove it.

Why does my Windows computer not recognize HEIC files at all?

Older versions of Windows do not support HEIC natively. Update to Windows 10 or 11 and install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store (free). If that does not work, use an online converter or install a third-party image viewer like IrfanView.