How to Easily Convert HEIC to JPG in Just a Few Steps

Apple’s newer iPhone models default to storing photos in the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIC). This space-saving format provides better compression than JPG while retaining great image quality.

However, HEIC files have limited compatibility with other devices and apps. You may find yourself needing to convert photos from HEIC to the more widely supported JPG format.

In this guide, I’ll walk through several quick and easy methods for converting HEIC to JPG on both Windows PCs and Macs.

Why Convert from HEIC to JPG?

Here are some common reasons you may need to change your HEIC images over to JPG format:

• Emailing photos – Most email clients don’t fully support HEIC images yet Switching to JPG ensures recipients can view attached photos without issues

• Editing images – Many older image editing apps don’t work with HEIC files, Converting to JPG allows the photos to be opened

• Uploading to websites – Some sites such as Facebook and Instagram don’t fully support HEIC uploads JPG is more universally compatible.

• Viewing on other devices – Non-Apple devices such as Windows PCs and Android phones have limited built-in HEIC support. JPG is more widely viewable.

• Creating print projects – Online print services often ask for JPG or other common formats. HEIC files may not be accepted.

• Reduced file sizes – Despite HEIC being highly compressed already, converting to JPG can sometimes yield smaller file sizes.

As you can see, JPG is simply the safer, more compatible choice in many situations. The good news is that converting HEIC to JPG is quick and painless.

How to Convert on Windows PC

Here are three easy options for converting HEIC to JPG on a Windows 10 or 11 computer:

Use the Photos App

1. Install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store to add HEIC support to the Photos app.

2. Right click on your HEIC photo and choose Open with > Photos.

3. Click Edit & Create then select Export to convert and save a copy as JPG.

Use the Preview Pane

1. Install HEIF Image Extensions if you haven’t already.

2. Browse to the HEIC photo in File Explorer and select it.

3. The preview pane will render the photo. Right click it and choose Save as to convert to JPG.

Use Online Converter

1. Upload the HEIC file to the FreeConvert online converter.

2. Download the converted JPG copy back to your computer.

How to Convert on Mac

Macs have built-in support for HEIC, but you may still need to convert photos to JPG at times. Here are a few quick ways to do it on macOS:

Use Preview App

1. Double click on the HEIC file to open it in Preview.

2. Go to File > Export and select JPG as the format.

3. Choose a name and save location for the exported JPG version.

Right Click With Quick Actions

1. Find the HEIC photo in Finder and right click on it.

2. Choose Quick Actions > Create JPG.

3. The JPG copy will save to the same folder automatically.

Drag and Drop

1. Open the Image Conversion app on your Mac.

2. Drag and drop the HEIC file onto the app window.

3. The converted JPG will appear in the same location.

Top HEIC to JPG Converter Apps

Here are some of the best desktop and mobile apps for efficiently batch converting multiple HEIC photos to JPG:

• XnConvert (Windows/Mac) – Free batch image converter supporting over 80 formats.

• Adapter (Mac) – Slick app for converting, resizing, renaming image batches.

• BatchPhoto (Windows/Mac) – Paid converter app with thumbnail previews and handy slideshow feature.

• PicConvert (iOS) – Intuitive mobile app for HEIC to JPG conversion.

• Gihosoft HEIC Converter (Android) – Pro-level converter with HEIC and 100+ other formats.

These dedicated converter apps provide automation and customization options that go beyond the basic built-in conversion methods.

Tips for Converting HEIC to JPG

Follow these tips for optimal results when converting HEIC images to JPG:

• Set the JPG quality level to 80-100% to retain detail during compression.

• Check the converted JPG file size – HEIC is already highly compressed so expect minimal reduction.

• Try comparing different converters if image quality suffers noticeably after conversion.

• Make a copy of the original HEIC for archiving before converting JPG versions for distribution.

• For best compatibility, stay below ~65k x 65k pixel dimensions when resizing converted JPGs.

• Use Exif data recovery tools if you need to restore metadata lost during conversion.

Converting Back to HEIC

Once converted to JPG, the compression benefits of HEIC are lost. But if needed, you can convert JPG images back to HEIC format:

• On iPhone, open the JPG in Photos app, edit it, and Save As HEIC.

• On Mac, right click the JPG, choose Quick Actions > Create HEIC.

• Use converter apps like XnConvert to batch convert JPG files back to HEIC.

Just keep in mind that repeatedly converting between lossy formats like HEIC and JPG can degrade image quality over time.

Ready to Switch Formats Painlessly?

As you can see, converting from HEIC to the more compatible JPG format is quick and easy on both mobile and desktop platforms.

With these simple steps, you can freely share your iPhone photo library while retaining the excellent image clarity that HEIC provides. No longer will you be locked into a less supported format or forced to manually convert each photo one by one.