How to Convert HEIC to JPG (Windows, Mac, and Online)
Convert HEIC photos from your iPhone to universally compatible JPG format on any device or operating system.
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Time
- 5 min
Last updated
iPhone photos save as HEIC by default to save storage space. But HEIC files don't open on many Windows computers or older software. Here are the fastest ways to convert HEIC to JPG on any platform.
Method 1: Change iPhone Settings to Save as JPEG (Permanent Fix)
Prevent HEIC files entirely by switching iPhone to shoot in JPEG:
- Open Settings → Camera → Formats
- Select Most Compatible (records in JPEG instead of HEIC)
- For existing transfers: Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → Automatic (converts on transfer)
Method 2: Convert on Mac with Preview
- Open the HEIC file in Preview (double-click)
- File → Export
- Set Format to JPEG
- Set Quality and click Save
For batch conversion: select all HEIC files in Finder → open with Preview (all open in one window) → File → Export Selected Images → choose JPEG.
Method 3: Convert on Windows
Windows 10/11 can open HEIC files with the free "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store.
For HEIC → JPEG conversion:
- Photos app: Open the HEIC → click ... → Save a copy → JPEG
- iMazing HEIC Converter: Free desktop app, drag-and-drop batch conversion
Method 4: Use Google Photos
- Upload your HEIC photos to Google Photos
- Download them — Google Photos automatically converts to JPEG on download
Method 5: Convert Online
Upload your HEIC file to an online converter (search "HEIC to JPG online"). These tools work without software on any operating system.
Tips
- HEIC → JPEG conversion is lossy; choose quality 90–95% to minimise visible degradation
- Converted JPEGs will be slightly larger than the originals
- Original EXIF metadata (location, date, camera settings) is preserved during conversion
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