What is a HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the photo format Apple adopted in iOS 11. It stores an image with the HEVC codec, so a HEIC photo is roughly half the size of a JPEG of the same quality. HEIF is the general name of the format; HEIC is Apple's flavour of it, which is why you'll see both extensions.
The catch is support. Macs and iPhones open HEIC natively, but many Windows apps, Android phones, websites and upload forms still don't. Converting HEIC to JPG (or JPEG, the same format) gives you a file that works everywhere.
HEIC vs JPG: which should you use?
Keep HEIC on your iPhone to save storage. Convert to JPG when a photo has to leave the Apple world: email attachments, online forms, print shops, Windows PCs and most social or marketplace uploads.
| HEIC | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | About 50% smaller | Larger at the same quality |
| Compatibility | Apple devices, some newer apps | Every device, browser and app |
| Best for | Storing photos on iPhone | Sharing, uploading, printing |
Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows, Mac and iPhone
On a Mac, Preview can export a HEIC as JPEG one file at a time (File → Export). Windows 10 and 11 need Microsoft's HEIF Image Extensions just to open HEIC, and the Photos app still can't batch-convert. On an iPhone, sharing a photo by email or AirDrop to a non-Apple device sometimes converts it, but not reliably.
A browser-based HEIC converter skips all of that: it works the same on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android and iPhone, needs no install or codec, and the result is a plain .jpg you can attach, upload or print.
How to stop your iPhone saving HEIC
If you'd rather get JPGs straight from the camera, open Settings → Camera → Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos are then saved as JPEG. Photos you've already taken stay HEIC, which is what this converter is for.
