How to Convert Image Files from HEIC to JPG

Since iOS 11, Apple has been using the HEIC image format, and, in some ways, it’s superior to JPG. For example, HEIC images are much smaller than JPG, making them perfect for mobile devices.

Nevertheless, the format can cause issues with certain apps, and that’s why you might want to convert the images. The conversion itself isn’t tricky, but it requires a few extra steps. This article will teach you how to convert HEIC files to JPG on all of your devices.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on a Mac

If you’re a Mac user, you can easily convert image files from HEIC to JPG using the native Preview app. The process only requires a few steps, and you can easily transfer images from your iPhone to your Mac using the Airdrop function.

Here’s how to convert a HEIC file to JPG on a Mac:

1. Use the Finder (blue and white face icon on the left side of your dock) to locate the photo you’d like to convert quickly. Double-click the image to open it in Preview.
   
2. Click on File and Export.
   
3. Click on the dropdown menu next to Format.
   
4. Select JPEG in the list.
   
5. Choose your file destination and rename it to make the image easier to find. Then, click Save.
   

Now, you have the JPG version of your image and can locate it in the folder you selected in step 5. You can also choose any other format use need in the list that appears after clicking Export.

On a Windows 10 Device

There are two methods to convert HEIC images to JPG, and both require you to install additional software. But first, let’s see how to make your PC recognize and open HEIC files.

HEIF Image Extension

If the Photos app is running on your PC, close it, then access the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extension.

Hit the Get button and install it on your computer. Then, open the Photos app to access the HEIC files on your computer.

Note: From Windows 10 update onward, Microsoft prompts you to download codecs that read HEIC files. This method works pretty much the same as the extension.

Convert Files from HEIC to JPG Using the Web

Web conversion is probably the most common method. TinyWow HEIC to JPG Converter is among the most popular and user-friendly options. There’s no need to install any third-party software, and you can use this website to convert your images on a PC or a mobile device.

Choosing one online conversion website over another is a matter of personal preference. All of these resources offer a similar or the same conversion method.

Drag and drop the images into the designated area or select the file, hit Convert, and wait for the software to do the heavy lifting. Then, you can download the converted files onto your computer.

You should know that some online conversion services also allow you to choose the image size, quality, and remove or keep the image metadata.

iCloud Trick

If you’re using iCloud to store the images, you can download HEIC files as JPG onto your computer. And the best thing is that this is the simplest way to convert the images.

In the Photos Options window, ensure the “Keep high efficiency original if available” option is unchecked. This automatically converts HEIC images to JPG upon download.

How to Convert Files from HEIC to JPG on an iPhone

If you’re using iOS 11 or higher, you can convert HEIC files directly on your iPhone. The conversion process is a little lengthy for existing HEIC files, but it isn’t impossible, and you don’t need any third-party apps to get a JPG copy.

Here is how to convert an existing HEIC file to JPG on an iPhone:

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone. Tap on On My iPhone.
   
2. Tap on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner.
   
3. Tap New Folder in the dropdown menu.
   
4. Name your folder and tap Done on the keyboard.
   
5. Navigate to the Photos app and locate the image(s) you want to convert. Then, tap the Share icon.
   
6. Select Copy Photo.
   
7. Go to the Files folder and select the new folder you created in step 3. Then, long press to Paste the file from your phone’s clipboard.
   
8. Pasting the image automatically converts it to JPG. Creating a separate folder just makes it easier to find.
   

Now, you can open the JPG file anywhere you’d like. You can always find the copy in the folder you’ve created.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on an iPad

You can convert files easily on an iPad if you prefer working with a larger screen. Here’s how:

1. Open the Files app and create a new folder by tapping the folder + icon. Name the folder.
   
2. Locate the photo you’d like to convert. Then, tap the Share icon. Tap Copy in the menu that appears.
   
3. Open the folder you created in step 1 and long-press a blank space. Then, tap Paste.
   
4. Your newly converted photo will appear in the file.
   

If the photo you’re working with is older than iOS 11, this won’t convert it to JPG. You’ll need to use a third-party application to convert the file.

How to Take Pictures in JPG on an iPhone

Perhaps you need to send JPG files regularly. If so, the above-mentioned steps can be quite tedious. This section will teach you how to take pictures in JPG format so you won’t need to convert them later.

Here’s how to switch from HEIC to JPG:

1. Open the Settings on your iPhone and scroll down to Camera.
   
2. Tap Formats.
   
3. Choose Most Compatible on this page.
   

After making these changes, all photos you take will be saved in JPG format.

Additional FAQ

As you can see, converting HEIC images to JPG isn’t as tricky as you might think, even if you’re a Windows user. Still, certain questions need to be addressed.

Here are the answers to your questions about HEIC photos.

Why Do iPhones Use the HEIC File Type?

To disambiguate the lingo first – HEIF is a High-Efficiency Image Format standard, and HEIC is the file format you get. Apple adopted this from iOS 11 onward because of a more advanced compression method.

In a nutshell, the format allows you to take high-resolution images of a smaller size. This way, you get the crisp, sharp photos iPhones are known for, yet you don’t use up the free memory on your iPhone fast. Plus, this is more storage-efficient should you decide to keep the photos on iCloud.

At this point, the compatibility of the HEIC format is its major limitation. In fact, macOS prior to High Siera isn’t capable of recognizing and opening HEIC files. Nevertheless, this can be solved with a simple update of the system.

And you now know that there are ways to make HEIC files Windows-friendly. 

Can You USE HEIC Format on Android?

Android doesn’t provide native support for the HEIC format, and third-party apps are few and far between. Nonetheless, there’s a neat trick to open, view, and manage HEIC files on your Android device.

Install Dropbox and use the app to store or transfer all your HEIC files. That way, you can preview them through the Dropbox app. Then, you can send the images to Adobe Lightroom mobile or any other software that allows you to edit and manipulate the given files.

With this in mind, most Android users rarely encounter this type of file due to the native formats of their device.

HEIC Conversions Made Easy

It’s safe to assume that the HEIC format is here to stay because of its compression rate and image quality. Consequently, this high-efficiency format will find its way onto more devices, particularly smartphones. But if you’re serious about photography, RAW is still the gold standard to retain as much information in the image as possible.

When was the first time you encountered the HEIC format? What is the conversion software or method you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.