HEIC to JPG Converter

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default image format used by Apple devices since iOS 11. It offers better compression than JPG while maintaining image quality, resulting in smaller file sizes. HEIC is based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard and uses the HEVC (H.265) video codec for compression.

Apple adopted HEIC because it can store images at roughly half the file size of JPEG while maintaining the same visual quality. This saves significant storage space on iPhones and iPads, especially for users who take many photos.

If you need other quick conversions, try JPG to PNG for transparent exports or compress images online to reduce file size.

Why Convert HEIC to JPG?

While HEIC offers excellent compression, JPG remains the most universally compatible image format. Here are the main reasons to convert:

• Universal Compatibility: JPG is supported by virtually all devices, applications, websites, and operating systems
• Email Attachments: Some email clients and webmail services don't display HEIC images correctly or at all
• Social Media: While major platforms now support HEIC, JPG ensures compatibility with all sites and apps
• Windows Support: Windows 10/11 requires additional HEVC codecs (sometimes paid) to view HEIC files natively
• Photo Printing: Most photo printing services and kiosks only accept JPG files
• Older Software: Legacy photo editing applications may not support HEIC format

How to Get HEIC Files from iPhone

There are several ways to transfer HEIC photos from your iPhone:

1. Direct USB Connection: Connect your iPhone to your computer and navigate to DCIM folder to copy .HEIC files directly
2. iCloud Photos: Download original photos from iCloud.com (they'll be in HEIC format)
3. AirDrop: Send photos to your Mac via AirDrop (maintains original HEIC format)
4. Files App: Save photos to Files app and access them via iCloud Drive

Note: When you email photos or use certain sharing methods, iOS may automatically convert them to JPG. To get the original HEIC files, use direct file transfer methods.

iPhone Camera Settings

You can change your iPhone's default photo format in Settings:

1. Open Settings > Camera > Formats
2. Choose "Most Compatible" to save photos as JPG
3. Or keep "High Efficiency" and convert when needed

However, we recommend keeping High Efficiency enabled to save storage space, and simply convert to JPG when you need to share or use photos on incompatible platforms.

HEIC vs JPG: Technical Comparison

• File Size: HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPG files
• Quality: HEIC maintains better quality at smaller file sizes due to advanced compression
• Features: HEIC supports transparency, multiple images (Live Photos), and 16-bit color depth
• Compatibility: JPG is universally supported; HEIC requires modern software/OS

Privacy Guarantee

Your photos are processed entirely in your browser using the heic2any JavaScript library. We never upload your files to any server. The conversion happens locally on your device, ensuring complete privacy. Your personal photos remain on your device at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does conversion take?

HEIC decoding is computationally intensive. A typical iPhone photo takes 2-5 seconds to convert. Batch processing multiple files will take proportionally longer.

Will I lose quality when converting?

There is minimal quality loss when converting to JPG at 90% quality (our default). The difference is usually imperceptible to the human eye. If quality is critical, you can increase the quality slider.

Can I convert Live Photos?

Our converter extracts and converts the still image from HEIC files. The video component of Live Photos is not included in the JPG output.