If you have ever sent a photo from an iPhone and the other person could not open it, you have met the HEIC format. It is easy to deal with once you know what it is.
What is HEIC?
HEIC is the image format modern iPhones use by default. It stores a photo in roughly half the space of a JPG at similar quality, which saves storage. The catch is that not every app, website or older computer can open it.
Why it causes problems
- Many websites and online forms only accept JPG or PNG.
- Some Windows computers cannot show HEIC pictures without an extra add-on.
- Older Android phones and some email tools do not preview them.
How to convert HEIC to JPG
- Open HEIC to JPG and add one or more .heic photos.
- Choose the JPG quality. Higher quality means a larger file.
- Press Convert and download the JPG files.
- Use the JPG files wherever you need them.
Stop taking HEIC photos on iPhone
If you often need JPG, open Settings, then Camera, then Formats, and choose Most Compatible. New photos will then be saved as JPG. Photos already taken stay as they are, and can be converted with the tool above.
Good to know
- Converting does not harm your original. Keep it if you want the smaller file.
- Live Photos are converted as a normal still picture.
- Conversion happens in your browser, so your photos are not uploaded.
Common mistakes with HEIC
- Renaming the file extension from .heic to .jpg. That does not convert it and the file will still not open properly.
- Deleting the original HEIC after converting, when you may want the smaller file later.
- Sending HEIC to someone without checking that their device can open it.
Which format should I keep?
HEIC is fine for storing your own photos because it saves space. Convert to JPG only when you need to share a picture or upload it somewhere that does not accept HEIC. That way you keep the best of both.
What HEIC actually is
HEIC is the photo format used by default on modern iPhones and iPads. It stores the same picture as a JPG in roughly half the space, which is why Apple chose it. The problem is compatibility. Many Windows PCs, older Android phones, websites and printing services do not recognise it, so the photo will not open, upload or print.
HEIC is not a broken or unusual file. It is simply newer than the tools many people use, and converting it to JPG is the standard fix.
Ways to avoid the problem in future
On an iPhone you can change the camera format to Most Compatible in the camera settings, and new photos will be saved as JPG. The trade off is larger files and less storage left on the phone. Many people prefer to leave HEIC on and convert only the pictures they need to share.
When you email or message photos from an iPhone, Apple sometimes converts them automatically, but not always. If a friend says your photo will not open, converting it yourself is the quickest way to be sure.
Keeping quality when you convert
Converting from HEIC to JPG is a one way step. JPG is a lossy format, so use the highest quality option available and avoid converting the same picture over and over. Keep the original HEIC as your master copy and treat the JPG as a copy for sharing.
Photos also carry information such as the date and sometimes location. If you are posting pictures publicly, consider whether you want to share that information along with the image.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
JPG is a lossy format, but at a high quality setting the difference is hard to see.
Can I convert many photos at once?
Yes, add several HEIC files and convert them together.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. The conversion runs in your browser on your own device.
Ready to start?
Open HEIC to JPG