How to Convert HEIC to JPG (Windows, Mac, iPhone)

The quickest way to convert HEIC to JPG is to open the photo in Preview on Mac → File → Export → JPEG, or drop it into a free online converter like iLoveIMG or CloudConvert. On Windows, install the free HEIF Image Extensions once, then save the file as JPEG. Here’s every method, plus how to stop your iPhone taking HEIC photos at all.

What is HEIC, and why are your photos HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the format iPhones have used by default since iOS 11. It stores the same photo in roughly half the size of a JPEG, at similar quality — great for your storage, awkward everywhere else.

The problem: Windows, older software, and many websites don’t support HEIC. So you end up with a file that won’t open, won’t upload, or shows a blank thumbnail. Converting to JPG fixes all of it, because JPG (JPEG) works everywhere.

Which method should you use?

Method 1: Mac — Preview (built in, free)

macOS reads HEIC natively, so no downloads are needed:

1. Double-click the HEIC file — it opens in Preview.
2. Go to File → Export.
3. Set Format to JPEG.
4. Drag the Quality slider (75–80% keeps it small with no visible loss).
5. Click Save.

To convert several at once: select the photos in Finder, right-click → Quick Actions → Convert Image, choose JPEG, and click Convert. Or open them in Photos, choose File → Export → Export Photos, and pick JPEG.

Method 2: Windows

Windows needs a one-time free add-on before it can even see HEIC files:

1. Open the Microsoft Store and install HEIF Image Extensions (free) — and for most iPhone HEIC files, also install HEVC Video Extensions (about $0.99, or free if your PC offers the “from Device Manufacturer” package).
2. Now Windows can display HEIC photos.
3. To convert: open the photo in Photos → … menu → Save a copy, and pick JPEG. Or open it in Paint → File → Save As → JPEG.

No Store access, or on Windows 10? Use an online converter — Method 4 below.

Method 3: iPhone

You usually don’t need to convert on the phone itself, because iOS converts automatically when it matters:

• Email or share it — Mail, Messages, and most apps send a JPEG, not HEIC.
• Transfer to a PC — plug in, and iOS sends JPEGs if Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC is set to Automatic.
• Save a copy manually — open the photo → Share → Save to Files, or use a free app like HEIC to JPEG.

To stop taking HEIC photos entirely: go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. New photos are then saved as JPEG. You lose some storage efficiency, so most people leave this on High Efficiency and convert only when needed.

Need to move a batch off the phone first? See how to transfer photos from iPhone to computer.

Method 4: Free online converters

If you’re on Windows without the extension, or on a Chromebook, an online converter is fastest:

1. Open the site and upload your HEIC file(s).
2. Choose JPG as the output.
3. Convert, then Download.

Privacy note: you’re uploading personal photos to a third party. For anything sensitive, use Preview (Mac) or the Windows Photos app instead.

Method 5: Convert a whole folder at once

• Mac: select all files in Finder → right-click → Quick Actions → Convert Image → JPEG.
• Windows: use an online batch converter, or Photos → select all → Save a copy.
• Command line (Mac): sips -s format jpeg image.heic --out image.jpg

Should you convert, or just keep HEIC?

Convert when you’re uploading to a website, sending to a Windows user, editing in older software, or submitting to a form that rejects HEIC.

Keep HEIC if the photos stay in Apple’s ecosystem — they’re smaller, and your iPhone, Mac, and iPad all read them fine.

If file size is your real concern rather than format, see how to reduce image file size. And if it’s the dimensions you need to change, see how to resize an image.

FAQ

How do I convert HEIC to JPG for free?

On a Mac, use Preview → File → Export → JPEG. On Windows or anywhere else, use a free online converter like iLoveIMG or CloudConvert.

Why are my iPhone photos HEIC?

Apple made HEIC the default in iOS 11 because it stores the same photo at about half the size. Change it in Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible to shoot JPEG instead.

Can Windows open HEIC files?

Not out of the box — install the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, or convert the file to JPG first.

Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?

Slightly, because JPEG compresses. At quality 75–80% the difference is invisible, and the file stays small.

How do I convert a lot of HEIC photos at once?

On a Mac, select them all in Finder → right-click → Quick Actions → Convert Image → JPEG. Otherwise use an online batch converter.

How do I make my iPhone save photos as JPG instead of HEIC?

Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. New photos will be JPEG from then on.