How to Convert iPhone HEIC Photos to JPG

What is HEIC Format?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11 (2017). It uses advanced compression to store photos at half the size of JPG while maintaining the same quality.

While HEIC is great for saving storage on your iPhone, it causes problems when sharing photos with Windows users, uploading to some websites, or using non-Apple software.

Why Convert HEIC to JPG?

• Windows compatibility: Windows doesn't natively support HEIC without installing codecs
• Web uploads: Many websites don't accept HEIC
• Photo printing: Print services prefer JPG
• Email sharing: Recipients may not be able to open HEIC
• Photo editors: Many editing apps don't support HEIC

How to Convert HEIC to JPG with Pictey

Step 1: Get Your HEIC Files

Transfer photos from your iPhone to computer via:

• AirDrop: Send directly to Mac (easiest)
• iCloud: Download from icloud.com
• USB cable: Connect iPhone and import
• Email: Send photos to yourself

Step 2: Open the Converter

Go to Pictey HEIC to JPG converter in any browser.

Step 3: Upload HEIC Files

Drag and drop your .HEIC or .HEIF files. Upload as many as you need - batch conversion is supported.

Step 4: Download JPG Files

Conversion happens automatically. Download individual files or all as a ZIP archive.

Alternative: Change iPhone Settings

You can set your iPhone to capture photos as JPG instead of HEIC:

1. Open Settings → Camera
2. Tap Formats
3. Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency"

Note: This uses more storage. HEIC files are about 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPG files.

Alternative: Automatic Conversion on Transfer

You can set iPhone to automatically convert to JPG when transferring to PC:

1. Open Settings → Photos
2. Scroll to "Transfer to Mac or PC"
3. Select "Automatic"

This converts HEIC to JPG during transfer but keeps HEIC on your iPhone.

HEIC vs JPG Quality

Converting from HEIC to JPG doesn't noticeably reduce quality if you use high quality settings (85%+). HEIC stores more color information, but JPG at high quality preserves the visual appearance.

Common Questions

What's the difference between HEIC and HEIF?

HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) is the format standard. HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's specific implementation. They're essentially the same for practical purposes.

Can I batch convert multiple HEIC files?

Yes! Pictey supports batch conversion. Upload all your HEIC files at once and download them as a ZIP archive.

Will I lose photo quality?

At 85%+ quality settings, quality loss is imperceptible. For archival purposes, use 100% quality.

What about Live Photos?

Live Photos include both a photo and video component. Converting HEIC extracts only the photo portion. The video part is stored separately as a .MOV file.

Conclusion

Converting HEIC to JPG is easy with the right tool. While you can change iPhone settings for future photos, use Pictey for quick, private conversion of existing HEIC files without installing any software.