How to Change HEIC to JPG: Complete Guide to Converting iPhone Photos

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How to Change HEIC to JPG: Complete Guide to Converting iPhone Photos

If you’re an iPhone user, you’ve likely encountered HEIC files when taking photos. While this format offers excellent image quality with smaller file sizes, it can create compatibility issues when sharing or using these images on non-Apple devices. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you multiple ways to convert HEIC to JPG, the universally accepted image format that works across all platforms and applications.

The High Efficiency Image Format (HEIC) was adopted by Apple starting with iOS 11 to save storage space while maintaining high image quality. However, many websites, applications, and devices still don’t support this relatively new format. Converting your HEIC files to JPG ensures your photos can be viewed, edited, and shared without limitations.

Understanding HEIC vs. JPG File Formats

Before diving into conversion methods, let’s understand the key differences between these file formats:

What is HEIC Format?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple’s implementation of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard. Introduced with iOS 11 in 2017, this format offers several advantages:

  • Approximately 50% smaller file sizes than JPG while maintaining similar or better quality
  • Support for 16-bit color depth (compared to JPG’s 8-bit)
  • Better transparency support
  • Ability to store multiple images in a single file (useful for Live Photos)
  • Support for image sequences and animations

What is JPG Format?

JPG (or JPEG) is one of the most widely used image formats in the world:

  • Universal compatibility across devices, operating systems, and applications
  • Reasonable file sizes through lossy compression
  • Supported by virtually all image viewers, editors, and web browsers
  • Ideal for photographs and complex images with many colors
  • Decades of established support in software and hardware

Why You Might Need to Convert HEIC to JPG

Despite HEIC’s technical advantages, there are several common scenarios where converting to JPG becomes necessary:

  • Compatibility issues: Many websites, older software, and non-Apple devices don’t recognize HEIC files
  • Sharing photos: When sending images to friends or colleagues who don’t use Apple devices
  • Professional requirements: Many professional workflows and services require JPG format
  • Printing photos: Most photo printing services require JPG files
  • Using older software: Many image editing programs don’t support HEIC

Converting HEIC to JPG on iPhone and iPad

Let’s start with the simplest solution – converting images directly on your iOS device where the HEIC photos originated.

Method 1: Change Camera Settings to Capture in JPG Format

The most straightforward approach is to configure your iPhone to save photos as JPG instead of HEIC:

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

This setting will make your iPhone capture all new photos in JPG format. However, it won’t convert your existing HEIC images.

Method 2: Using the Share Function to Convert on the Fly

iOS automatically converts HEIC to JPG when sharing photos with apps that don’t support HEIC:

  1. Open the Photos app
  2. Select the HEIC image(s) you want to convert
  3. Tap the Share icon (square with an arrow)
  4. Choose to share via Mail, Messages, or social media apps
  5. When you send the image, iOS automatically converts it to JPG

Alternatively, you can use the “Copy Photo” option and then paste it into Notes or another app, which will also trigger the conversion.

Method 3: Using Shortcuts App for Batch Conversion

For converting multiple images at once, the built-in Shortcuts app offers a powerful solution:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app (download it from App Store if you don’t have it)
  2. Tap the “+” icon to create a new shortcut
  3. Add the “Select Photos” action
  4. Add the “Convert Image” action and set the format to JPG
  5. Add the “Save to Photo Album” action
  6. Name your shortcut (e.g., “HEIC to JPG Converter”) and save it

Now you can run this shortcut whenever you need to convert HEIC photos to JPG format in bulk.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows

Windows 10 and 11 have improved their HEIC support, but you may still encounter compatibility issues. Here are multiple ways to convert HEIC files on Windows:

Method 1: Using Windows Photos App

If you have Windows 10 (version 1809 or later) or Windows 11:

  1. Install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store (if you haven’t already)
  2. Open the HEIC image with the Photos app
  3. Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner
  4. Select Save as
  5. Choose JPG from the format dropdown menu
  6. Select your destination folder and click Save

Method 2: Using Online Conversion Tools

Several reputable online services can convert HEIC to JPG without installing any software. HEICtoJPG.com is one such reliable service that offers a straightforward conversion process:

  1. Visit the website in your browser
  2. Drag and drop your HEIC files onto the page (or click to browse and select files)
  3. Wait for the conversion to complete (usually takes seconds)
  4. Download your converted JPG images

These online tools are particularly useful for occasional conversions when you don’t want to install additional software.

Method 3: Using Free Desktop Software

For more regular conversions or batch processing, dedicated software provides more control:

  • iMazing HEIC Converter: A free, lightweight tool specifically designed for converting HEIC to JPG or PNG
  • CopyTrans HEIC for Windows: Adds HEIC support to Windows Photo Viewer and File Explorer
  • ImageMagick: A powerful command-line image manipulation tool for advanced users

These applications offer batch processing capabilities, allowing you to convert multiple files simultaneously.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac

Mac computers have native support for HEIC files, but you might still need JPG versions for compatibility with other systems or services.

Method 1: Using Preview App

The built-in Preview application makes conversion simple:

  1. Open the HEIC image in Preview (usually the default app for images)
  2. Click File in the menu bar
  3. Select Export
  4. Choose JPEG as the format
  5. Adjust quality if desired
  6. Select your destination folder and click Save

Method 2: Using Photos App

Apple’s Photos app also offers a straightforward conversion process:

  1. Open the HEIC image in the Photos app
  2. Click File in the menu bar
  3. Select Export > Export Photo
  4. Choose JPEG as the format and select your preferred quality
  5. Click Export
  6. Choose your destination folder and click Export again

Method 3: Using Automator for Batch Conversion

For converting multiple HEIC files at once, Automator provides a powerful solution:

  1. Open Automator from your Applications folder
  2. Create a new Quick Action or Workflow
  3. Add the Copy Finder Items action and specify a destination folder
  4. Add the Change Type of Images action and set it to JPEG
  5. Save your workflow with a descriptive name

Now you can right-click on HEIC files in Finder, select Services, and run your conversion workflow.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Android

While Android devices don’t typically create HEIC files, you might receive them from iPhone users. Here’s how to convert them:

Method 1: Using Google Photos

If you use Google Photos, the conversion process is straightforward:

  1. Open the HEIC image in Google Photos
  2. Tap the three dots (⋮) menu
  3. Select Save copy
  4. The copied version will be saved as JPG

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

Several Android apps specialize in HEIC conversion:

  • HEIC to JPG Converter: A simple, ad-supported app focused solely on conversion
  • File Converter: A versatile app that handles multiple file formats, including HEIC to JPG
  • Solid Explorer: A file manager with built-in conversion capabilities

These apps typically allow batch processing and offer various quality options for the resulting JPG files.

Using Professional Software for HEIC to JPG Conversion

For photographers and graphic designers who need more control over the conversion process, professional software offers advanced options:

Adobe Photoshop

Recent versions of Photoshop support HEIC files natively:

  1. Open the HEIC file in Photoshop
  2. Go to File > Save As
  3. Select JPEG as the format
  4. Adjust quality settings as needed
  5. Click Save

Adobe Lightroom

Lightroom offers batch processing with fine-tuned control:

  1. Import HEIC files into your Lightroom catalog
  2. Select the images you want to convert
  3. Go to File > Export
  4. Choose JPEG as the file format
  5. Adjust quality, size, and other parameters
  6. Click Export

GIMP (Free Alternative)

The open-source image editor GIMP can handle HEIC files with the appropriate plugins:

  1. Install the necessary HEIF plugin for your version of GIMP
  2. Open the HEIC file
  3. Go to File > Export As
  4. Select JPEG as the format
  5. Adjust quality settings
  6. Click Export

Command-Line Tools for Advanced Users

For tech-savvy users who prefer command-line interfaces, several powerful tools can automate HEIC to JPG conversion:

Using ImageMagick

ImageMagick is a versatile command-line tool for image manipulation:

magick convert image.heic image.jpg

For batch conversion of all HEIC files in a directory:

magick mogrify -format jpg *.heic

Using libheif

The libheif library comes with a command-line tool called heif-convert:

heif-convert input.heic output.jpg

Using ffmpeg

The powerful ffmpeg tool can also handle HEIC conversions:

ffmpeg -i input.heic output.jpg

Best Practices for HEIC to JPG Conversion

To ensure optimal results when converting your images, consider these recommendations:

Preserving Image Quality

  • Choose high-quality settings (85-95%) when converting important photos
  • Be aware that each conversion may result in some quality loss due to JPG’s lossy compression
  • Keep your original HEIC files as backups whenever storage space allows
  • For critical images, consider saving as PNG instead of JPG to avoid compression artifacts

Managing Metadata

Image metadata contains valuable information like creation date, camera settings, and location:

  • Verify that your conversion method preserves important metadata
  • Some online tools may strip EXIF data for privacy, which could be desirable or undesirable depending on your needs
  • Professional software typically offers options to control which metadata is preserved

Batch Processing Efficiency

When converting multiple files:

  • Use tools specifically designed for batch processing
  • Consider automation with scripts or dedicated software for recurring conversion tasks
  • Organize files into manageable groups before conversion
  • Verify results by sampling converted files before deleting originals

Troubleshooting Common HEIC Conversion Issues

Even with the right tools, you might encounter some challenges when converting HEIC files:

Handling Conversion Failures

If your conversion attempts fail:

  • Verify that your HEIC files aren’t corrupted by opening them in their native applications
  • Try a different conversion tool or method
  • Update your conversion software to ensure HEIC compatibility
  • For stubborn files, try opening and re-saving them on an iOS device first

Dealing with Quality Loss

If you notice significant quality degradation after conversion:

  • Use higher quality settings when exporting to JPG
  • Consider using PNG format instead for lossless conversion (though with larger file sizes)
  • Avoid multiple rounds of conversion that can compound quality loss
  • Check if your conversion tool offers advanced options for maintaining image fidelity

Handling Live Photos and Special HEIC Features

HEIC files may contain special features that don’t translate to JPG:

  • Live Photos will lose their motion component when converted to static JPG images
  • Depth information used for Portrait mode effects may be lost
  • Multi-image containers will typically convert only the primary image

Future of Image Formats: HEIC vs. JPG

Understanding the trajectory of these formats can help inform your conversion strategy:

Increasing HEIC Adoption

While JPG remains the universal standard, HEIC support is growing:

  • More software developers are adding native HEIC support
  • Windows 10/11 now offers optional HEIC support
  • Web browsers are gradually implementing HEIF/HEIC compatibility
  • Professional tools increasingly support the format

Emerging Alternatives

The image format landscape continues to evolve:

  • WebP offers many HEIC advantages with broader compatibility
  • AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) promises even better compression than HEIC
  • JPEG XL aims to replace traditional JPG while maintaining backward compatibility

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Conversion Method

Converting HEIC to JPG doesn’t have to be complicated. The best method depends on your specific needs:

  • For occasional conversions: Use built-in tools like Photos app or online converters
  • For regular conversions: Install dedicated software or set up automation
  • For professional work: Use high-quality settings in professional software to maintain image integrity
  • For privacy concerns: Choose methods that allow control over metadata preservation

By understanding the various conversion options available across different platforms, you can easily transform your HEIC photos into universally compatible JPG files without sacrificing quality or convenience. Whether you’re sharing vacation photos, preparing images for a website, or managing a professional photography workflow, these methods ensure your images are accessible whenever and wherever you need them.

As technology continues to evolve, the tension between optimized formats like HEIC and universal standards like JPG will persist. For now, knowing how to convert between them remains an essential skill for anyone working with digital images in today’s multi-platform world.

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