The fastest way to convert HEIC to JPG depends on what device you're using
HEIC is Apple's newer photo format, smaller and higher quality than JPG, but many websites and programs won't accept it. Converting to JPG takes between one and five minutes depending on your device and how many photos you have.
On a Mac, you can drag photos into Preview and export as JPG. On Windows, you'll need a free tool like IrfanView or an online converter. On an iPhone or iPad, you can change the camera settings to shoot in JPG instead, or convert existing photos through the Files app. Android phones typically save as JPG by default, so conversion usually isn't necessary.
The method you choose depends on whether you want to convert photos you already have, or prevent new photos from being HEIC in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Mac users can open HEIC files in Preview, then export them as JPG without installing anything extra.
- Windows users need free software like IrfanView or an online converter, since Windows doesn't natively support HEIC.
- iPhone and iPad users can change camera settings to shoot in JPG going forward, or convert existing photos through the Files app.
- Online converters work on any device but require uploading your photos to a website, which raises privacy concerns for sensitive images.
- Batch conversion tools let you convert dozens of photos at once instead of one at a time.
Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac using Preview
Preview is built into every Mac and handles HEIC files natively. Open Finder, locate your HEIC photo, right-click it, and select "Open With" then "Preview." The photo will open in the Preview window.
Once the photo is open, click "File" in the menu bar, then "Export." A dialog box will appear. In the "Format" dropdown, select "JPEG." You can adjust the quality slider if you want—higher quality means a larger file size. Choose where you want to save the JPG file, give it a name, and click "Save." The conversion is instant.
To convert multiple photos at once, select them all in Finder (hold Command and click each one), right-click, and open them all in Preview. Then go to "File" > "Export" and Preview will ask whether you want to export all of them. Choose JPEG format and click "Export All."
Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows
Windows doesn't recognize HEIC files by default, so you'll need a free tool. IrfanView is the most straightforward option. Download it from irfanview.com, install it, then right-click any HEIC file and select "Open With" > "IrfanView."
Once the photo opens in IrfanView, click "File" in the menu, then "Save As." In the dialog that appears, change the file type dropdown from "HEIC" to "JPG" or "JPEG." Choose where to save it, name the file, and click "Save." IrfanView will ask about compression quality—the default setting is fine for most uses.
Another option is XnView, which works similarly and also handles batch conversion. If you prefer not to install software, you can use an online converter like CloudConvert or Convertio by uploading your HEIC file and downloading the JPG result. Online converters are convenient but send your photos to a server, so avoid them for private or sensitive images.
Changing iPhone and iPad camera settings to shoot JPG instead
The easiest way to avoid HEIC altogether on iPhone or iPad is to change your camera settings before taking photos. Open Settings, scroll down to "Camera," tap it, then tap "Formats." Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency." From that point forward, new photos will save as JPG instead of HEIC.
The trade-off is file size: JPG photos take up more storage space than HEIC photos of the same quality. If storage is limited on your device, you may want to keep "High Efficiency" enabled and convert only the photos you need to share.
Converting existing HEIC photos on iPhone and iPad
If you already have HEIC photos on your iPhone or iPad and need to convert them, the Files app provides a workaround. Open Files, navigate to the folder containing your HEIC photos, tap "Select," and choose the photos you want to convert. Tap "Share," then look for a "Convert Image" option if available—this varies by iOS version.
If that option doesn't appear, use a free app from the App Store like "HEIC to JPG" or "Image Converter." Search the App Store for "HEIC converter," download one with good reviews, open it, select your HEIC photos, and export them as JPG. Most of these apps work offline and don't upload your photos anywhere.
Alternatively, connect your iPhone to a Mac and use Preview as described above, or connect to a Windows computer and use IrfanView.
Using online converters for one-off conversions
If you don't want to install software and only need to convert a few photos, online converters like CloudConvert, Convertio, or Online-Convert work in any web browser. Go to the website, click "Upload" or "Choose File," select your HEIC photo, choose JPG as the output format, and click "Convert." Download the JPG file to your computer.
The main drawback is privacy: your photo is temporarily stored on someone else's server. Most reputable converters delete files after a few hours, but if your photo contains sensitive information, personal data, or anything you wouldn't want on the internet, use a local tool instead.
Online converters are useful for testing whether a website will accept JPG before you convert all your photos, or for converting a single photo on a borrowed computer where you can't install software.
Batch converting many HEIC photos at once
If you have dozens or hundreds of HEIC photos, converting one at a time wastes time. On Mac, Preview's batch export (described above) is the fastest built-in option. On Windows, IrfanView has a batch conversion feature: open IrfanView, click "File" > "Batch Conversion," select your HEIC files, choose JPG as the output format, and click "Start." It will convert all of them automatically.
XnView also supports batch conversion and is available for both Windows and Mac. Some online converters allow you to upload multiple files at once, though uploading many large files can be slow depending on your internet speed.
For Mac users with many photos, a faster option is to use the command line tool ImageMagick, but this requires some technical comfort. Most people find Preview's batch export sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce photo quality?
Not noticeably for most uses. HEIC and JPG are both compressed formats, but HEIC compresses more efficiently. When you convert HEIC to JPG at high quality settings, the difference is invisible to the human eye. The JPG file will be larger because JPG compression is less efficient, but the visual quality remains the same.
Can I convert HEIC to JPG on Android?
Android phones typically save photos as JPG by default, so you won't encounter HEIC files unless someone sent them to you. If you receive an HEIC file on Android, use an online converter or download a free app like "Image Converter" from the Google Play Store. The process is similar to iPhone: open the app, select the HEIC file, and export as JPG.
Why does my iPhone take HEIC photos instead of JPG?
Apple set HEIC as the default format because it saves storage space while maintaining quality. Older devices and websites don't support HEIC, so Apple provides the "Most Compatible" option in camera settings to shoot JPG instead. Changing this setting affects only new photos, not ones already on your device.
Is it safe to use online HEIC converters?
Reputable online converters are generally safe for non-sensitive photos. Most delete files automatically after a few hours. However, your photo does travel across the internet and sits on someone else's server temporarily. For private, medical, or financial photos, use a local tool like Preview or IrfanView instead.
Do I need to convert HEIC if I'm just emailing photos?
It depends on the recipient's device. iPhones, Macs, and iPads handle HEIC natively. Windows computers, Android phones, and older devices may not. If you're unsure, converting to JPG ensures the recipient can open the photo on any device without extra steps.