How to Save HEIC as JPG: A Complete Guide for All Devices

"Step-by-step instructions on how to convert HEIC files to JPG format on various devices, showcasing the process visually for the article 'How to Save HEIC as JPG: A Complete Guide for All Devices.'"

How to Save HEIC as JPG: The Ultimate Conversion Guide

If you’ve ever tried to share photos from your iPhone or iPad with someone using a different device, you might have encountered the frustration of incompatible file formats. Apple devices save photos in HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format), which offers excellent quality while consuming less storage space. However, many platforms and applications still don’t support this newer format, making it necessary to know how to save HEIC as JPG.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through various methods to convert HEIC files to the universally accepted JPG format across different operating systems and devices. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Mac, Windows PC, or Android device, you’ll find a solution that works for you. Let’s dive into the world of image conversion and make sharing your precious memories hassle-free!

Understanding HEIC and Why You Might Need to Convert It

Before we explore the conversion methods, let’s understand what HEIC is and why you might need to convert it to JPG in the first place.

What is HEIC Format?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple’s implementation of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard. Introduced with iOS 11 in 2017, this format offers several advantages:

  • Approximately half the file size of equivalent quality JPG images
  • Ability to store multiple images in a single file (useful for Live Photos)
  • Better color depth (10-bit vs. 8-bit in JPG)
  • Support for transparency like PNG files
  • Non-destructive editing capabilities

Why Convert HEIC to JPG?

Despite its advantages, HEIC has some limitations that make conversion to JPG necessary:

  • Compatibility issues: Many websites, applications, and older devices don’t support HEIC files.
  • Sharing difficulties: When sending photos to non-Apple users, they may not be able to view HEIC files.
  • Software requirements: Editing HEIC files requires compatible software, which isn’t as widely available as JPG editors.
  • Printing problems: Some printing services don’t accept HEIC files.

Now that we understand why conversion might be necessary, let’s explore how to save HEIC as JPG across different platforms.

How to Save HEIC as JPG on iPhone and iPad

Apple devices offer several built-in options to convert HEIC photos to JPG format. Here are the most convenient methods:

Method 1: Change Camera Settings to Save Photos as JPG

The simplest approach is to change your device settings to capture photos in JPG format from the start:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
  2. Scroll down and tap on Camera
  3. Select Formats
  4. Choose Most Compatible instead of High Efficiency

With this setting, your device will save new photos in JPG format automatically. However, existing HEIC photos won’t be converted, and you’ll lose the storage benefits of the HEIC format.

Method 2: Convert HEIC to JPG When Sharing

Your iPhone automatically converts HEIC files to JPG when sharing them through certain methods:

  1. Open the Photos app
  2. Select the HEIC image(s) you want to convert
  3. Tap the Share button (square with an up arrow)
  4. Choose to share via email, messaging apps, or social media
  5. When the image is shared, it’s automatically converted to JPG format

You can also save the converted image to your computer by emailing it to yourself and downloading the attachment.

Method 3: Use the Files App to Convert

Another native method involves using the Files app:

  1. Open the Photos app
  2. Select the HEIC image(s) you want to convert
  3. Tap the Share button
  4. Select Save to Files
  5. Choose a location and tap Save
  6. Open the Files app
  7. Navigate to where you saved the image
  8. Press and hold on the image
  9. Select Quick Look
  10. Tap the Share button
  11. Choose Save Image

The saved copy will be in JPG format in your Photos app.

Method 4: Use Third-Party Apps

Several apps on the App Store can convert HEIC to JPG. Some popular options include:

  • Image Converter: A simple, free app that converts HEIC to JPG, PNG, and other formats
  • HEIC Converter: Specifically designed for HEIC conversion
  • Shortcuts app: You can create a custom shortcut to convert images automatically

These apps typically offer batch conversion and additional features like resizing or compressing images.

How to Save HEIC as JPG on Mac

Mac users have several options to convert HEIC files to JPG format:

Method 1: Using Preview App

The built-in Preview app provides a simple way to convert images:

  1. Open the HEIC image in Preview (right-click the image and select “Open with” > “Preview”)
  2. Click on File in the menu bar
  3. Select Export
  4. From the “Format” dropdown menu, select JPEG
  5. Adjust the quality slider if needed
  6. Choose a save location and click Save

This method works for converting one image at a time. For batch conversion, you can select multiple images in Finder, open them all in Preview, and use the same export process.

Method 2: Using Photos App

The Photos app on Mac also offers conversion capabilities:

  1. Import your HEIC images into the Photos app
  2. Select the image(s) you want to convert
  3. Click on File in the menu bar
  4. Select Export > Export Photos
  5. In the export dialog, choose JPEG as the file type
  6. Select your preferred quality and other options
  7. Click Export and choose a destination folder

Method 3: Using Automator

For frequent conversions, you can create an Automator workflow:

  1. Open Automator from your Applications folder
  2. Choose to create a new Quick Action or Application
  3. Search for “Copy Finder Items” action and drag it to the workflow
  4. Set a destination folder
  5. Search for “Change Type of Images” action and add it to the workflow
  6. Set the image format to JPEG
  7. Save the workflow

Now you can right-click on any HEIC file in Finder, select Services, and run your conversion workflow.

How to Save HEIC as JPG on Windows

Windows users need additional tools to handle HEIC files since the format isn’t natively supported. Here are several methods:

Method 1: Install HEIF Image Extensions

Microsoft offers HEIF Image Extensions that add HEIC support to Windows 10 and 11:

  1. Go to the Microsoft Store
  2. Search for “HEIF Image Extensions”
  3. Download and install the extension
  4. You may also need to install the “HEVC Video Extensions” (there’s a free version from device manufacturer)

After installation, Windows Photos app can open HEIC files. To convert to JPG:

  1. Open the HEIC image in Photos app
  2. Click the three dots in the top right corner
  3. Select Save as
  4. Choose JPEG from the “Save as type” dropdown
  5. Select a location and click Save

Method 2: Using Online Converters

Several free online services can convert HEIC to JPG without installing software. Some reliable options include HEICtoJPG.com, which offers a simple, free conversion service with a focus on privacy and security. The service allows you to upload multiple HEIC files and download the converted JPGs individually or in a ZIP file.

To use an online converter:

  1. Visit the converter website
  2. Upload your HEIC file(s) by clicking the upload button or dragging and dropping
  3. Wait for the conversion to complete
  4. Download the converted JPG file(s)

Keep in mind that online converters require an internet connection and may have file size or quantity limitations.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

Several third-party applications offer more powerful conversion features:

  • iMazing HEIC Converter: A free, lightweight converter specifically for HEIC to JPG/PNG conversion
  • CopyTrans HEIC for Windows: Enables Windows to open HEIC files and convert them to JPG
  • Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom: Professional software that supports HEIC files and can save them in various formats
  • XnConvert: A free, cross-platform batch image converter that supports numerous formats including HEIC

These applications typically offer batch conversion, quality control, and additional image editing features.

How to Save HEIC as JPG on Android

While HEIC isn’t the default format on Android devices, you might receive HEIC files from iPhone users. Here’s how to convert them:

Method 1: Using Google Photos

If you use Google Photos, the conversion process is straightforward:

  1. Open Google Photos app
  2. Select the HEIC image you want to convert
  3. Tap the three dots menu in the top right
  4. Select Save copy
  5. The copy will be saved as a JPG in your gallery

Method 2: Using File Converter Apps

Several Android apps can convert HEIC files:

  • HEIC to JPG Converter: A specialized app for HEIC conversion
  • File Converter: A multi-format converter that handles HEIC files
  • Photo Converter: Converts various image formats including HEIC

These apps typically offer batch conversion and can be found on the Google Play Store.

Using Cloud Services to Convert HEIC to JPG

Cloud storage services can also help with format conversion:

Method 1: Using Google Drive

  1. Upload your HEIC files to Google Drive
  2. Open the HEIC file in Drive
  3. Click the Download button
  4. The downloaded file will be automatically converted to JPG

Method 2: Using Dropbox

  1. Upload your HEIC files to Dropbox
  2. Open the file in Dropbox
  3. Click on Export
  4. Select Save as and choose JPG format

Professional Tools for HEIC to JPG Conversion

For photographers and professionals who need to process large numbers of images, these tools offer advanced features:

Adobe Creative Cloud Applications

Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Bridge all support HEIC files and offer powerful batch processing:

  1. Import HEIC files into your preferred Adobe application
  2. Use the export or batch processing features
  3. Select JPG as the output format
  4. Adjust quality and other parameters as needed
  5. Process all images at once

Command-Line Tools for Advanced Users

For those comfortable with command-line interfaces, tools like ImageMagick or libheif offer powerful conversion capabilities:

# Using ImageMagick
magick convert image.heic image.jpg

# Using libheif
heif-convert input.heic output.jpg

These tools can be incorporated into scripts for automated processing workflows.

Tips for Optimal HEIC to JPG Conversion

To ensure the best results when converting your images, consider these tips:

Quality Considerations

When converting HEIC to JPG, you’ll typically have options to adjust the quality of the resulting JPG:

  • High quality (90-100%): Best for photos you want to print or edit further, but results in larger file sizes
  • Medium quality (70-80%): Good balance between quality and file size for most uses
  • Low quality (below 70%): Suitable only for web thumbnails or when storage space is very limited

Remember that JPG is a lossy format, so some quality loss is inevitable during conversion. Converting at the highest quality setting minimizes this loss.

Preserving Metadata

HEIC files can contain important metadata such as camera information, date/time, and location data. When converting:

  • Check if your conversion tool has an option to preserve metadata
  • If you need to preserve specific metadata (like location information), verify that it’s transferred during conversion
  • Some online tools might strip metadata for privacy reasons, which could be a benefit or drawback depending on your needs

Batch Processing Efficiently

For converting multiple images:

  • Use tools that support batch processing rather than converting one image at a time
  • Organize your files into folders before conversion for easier management
  • Consider using naming conventions or output folders to keep original and converted files organized

Troubleshooting Common HEIC to JPG Conversion Issues

Even with the right tools, you might encounter some challenges during conversion:

Image Quality Problems

If your converted JPGs look worse than expected:

  • Try a different conversion tool or method
  • Increase the quality setting during conversion
  • Ensure you’re viewing the image at 100% zoom (not zoomed in further) when comparing quality

Conversion Failures

If images fail to convert:

  • Verify that the file is actually a HEIC file (check the file extension and properties)
  • Try a different conversion tool
  • Check if the file is corrupted by trying to open it in its native application
  • For online converters, ensure your internet connection is stable

Missing or Corrupted Metadata

If important metadata is lost:

  • Use specialized tools like ExifTool to examine and potentially recover metadata
  • Try a different conversion method that explicitly preserves metadata
  • Keep original HEIC files as backups if metadata is crucial

Understanding the Trade-offs: HEIC vs. JPG

As you work with these formats, it’s worth understanding the trade-offs:

File Size vs. Compatibility

HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than equivalent quality JPGs, which means:

  • You can store more photos on your device with HEIC
  • Cloud storage and backups use less space and bandwidth
  • However, JPG offers near-universal compatibility across devices, applications, and services

Quality Considerations

In terms of image quality:

  • HEIC supports 10-bit color depth (over a billion colors) vs. JPG’s 8-bit (16.7 million colors)
  • HEIC handles gradients and areas of solid color with fewer artifacts
  • HEIC supports transparency and animation features that JPG doesn’t
  • However, the quality advantage of HEIC may not be noticeable in casual photos viewed on screens

Future-Proofing Your Images

When considering long-term storage:

  • JPG has decades of established support and will likely remain viewable for many years
  • HEIC is newer but backed by major companies and the MPEG group
  • For archival purposes, consider keeping important photos in multiple formats or in lossless formats like TIFF

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Conversion Method

Converting HEIC files to JPG doesn’t have to be complicated. The best method depends on your specific needs:

  • For occasional conversions: Use built-in options like sharing via email or the Photos app export feature.
  • For frequent conversions: Install a dedicated converter app or extension for your operating system.
  • For professional work: Use Adobe applications or specialized tools that preserve quality and metadata.
  • For privacy concerns: Use offline conversion tools rather than online services.

By understanding the various methods to save HEIC as JPG across different platforms, you can ensure your photos are always accessible and shareable, regardless of what devices you or your recipients use.

Remember that while conversion to JPG solves compatibility issues, it’s often worth keeping the original HEIC files as backups, especially for important photos. The smaller file size and higher quality of HEIC make it an excellent format for archiving your images, even as you share them in more compatible formats.

Additional Resources

To further enhance your understanding and capabilities with image formats and conversion, consider exploring these resources:

  • Apple Support documentation on HEIC format and Photos app
  • Microsoft documentation on HEIF Image Extensions
  • Photography forums and communities for discussions on image quality and format preferences
  • Image editing tutorials for post-conversion enhancements

With the knowledge from this guide, you’re now equipped to handle HEIC files efficiently and convert them to JPG whenever necessary, ensuring your precious memories are always accessible and shareable.