How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows and Mac

Quick answer: On a Mac, open the HEIC file in Preview, choose File > Export, pick JPEG and save. On Windows, open it in Paint (with Microsoft's HEIF extension installed) and use File > Save as > JPEG picture. For a batch of photos on any computer, drop them into a browser-based HEIC to JPG converter and download the JPGs.

iPhones save photos as HEIC by default. The format is efficient, but plenty of places still don't accept it: job portals, visa and exam forms, older Windows PCs, some website builders and many email recipients. JPG is the safe choice when you need a photo to open everywhere.

This guide covers the built-in ways to convert on Windows and Mac, a browser method that works on both, and the iPhone setting that stops new HEIC files from appearing.

What is a HEIC file?

HEIC is Apple's name for photos stored in the HEIF format (High Efficiency Image File Format). It usually produces smaller files than JPG at similar visual quality, which is why Apple uses it to save storage.

The catch is compatibility. macOS and iOS read HEIC natively. Windows may need an extra extension, and many web upload forms only accept .jpg, .jpeg or .png.

How to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

Method 1: Paint (Windows 10 and 11)

Paint can open HEIC files once Windows has the HEIF codec. On many Windows 11 PCs it is already installed; if not, get HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Some HEIC photos also need the HEVC Video Extensions codec to decode.

1. Right-click the HEIC file and choose Open with > Paint.

2. Click File > Save as > JPEG picture.

3. Choose a folder and name, then click Save.

Paint handles one file at a time, so it suits a few photos rather than a whole camera roll.

Method 2: The Photos app

If the Photos app opens your HEIC file, look in its menu (the … button) for Save as or Save a copy and choose JPG. The exact wording depends on your Photos version. If the image shows as blank or won't open, the codec is missing; install the extensions above or use the browser method below.

Method 3: A browser tool (no install)

If you can't install extensions, for example on a work laptop, use the HEIC to JPG converter:

1. Open the converter in Chrome, Edge or Firefox.

2. Drop in your HEIC or HEIF files (up to 20 at once, each up to 25MB).

3. Adjust JPG quality if you need smaller files.

4. Convert and download the JPGs.

The conversion runs in your browser, so the photos aren't uploaded to a server for processing, and you don't need an account.

How to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac

Method 1: Preview (one photo or a few)

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

2. Choose File > Export.

3. Set Format to JPEG.

4. Move the Quality slider. Preview shows the resulting file size, which is useful if a form has a KB limit.

5. Click Save.

To convert several photos at once in Preview, select them all in Finder, open them together, select every thumbnail in the sidebar, then use File > Export Selected Images and choose JPEG under Options.

Method 2: Finder Quick Action (fastest for batches)

On macOS Monterey and later:

1. Select one or more HEIC files in Finder.

2. Right-click and choose Quick Actions > Convert Image.

3. Set Format to JPEG and pick an Image Size (Actual Size keeps full resolution).

4. Click Convert to JPEG. The JPGs are saved next to the originals.

Method 3: The Photos app

If the pictures are in your Photos library, select them and choose File > Export > Export Selected Photos. Set Photo Kind to JPEG, choose a quality and size, then export.

Stop your iPhone saving HEIC in the first place

If you keep converting files, change the source:

1. Open Settings > Camera > Formats.

2. Choose Most Compatible.

New photos are then saved as JPG. Existing HEIC photos stay as they are.

There's also a transfer setting: Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC > Automatic makes the iPhone convert photos to a compatible format when you copy them to a computer over a cable.

After converting: check the file size

JPGs are usually larger than the HEIC originals. If you're uploading to a form with a size limit:

• Use Compress JPEG to 100KB to hit a specific limit.

• Use the Image Resizer first if the photo is much wider than needed. A 4000-pixel-wide phone photo is rarely required for an upload form.

Which method should you use?

FAQ

Why can't I open HEIC files on Windows?

Windows needs the HEIF codec to read HEIC photos, and some images also need the HEVC codec. Install HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, or convert the files to JPG in a browser tool that doesn't depend on Windows codecs.

Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?

JPG uses lossy compression, so converting re-encodes the image. At a high quality setting the difference is usually not visible. Lower the quality only if you need a smaller file.

How do I convert multiple HEIC files to JPG at once?

On a Mac, select the files in Finder and use Quick Actions > Convert Image. On any computer, a browser converter that accepts batches handles up to 20 files at a time and lets you download them all.

How do I make my iPhone take photos in JPG instead of HEIC?

Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos are saved as JPG; photos you already took stay in HEIC.

Is HEIC better than JPG?

HEIC usually stores the same visual quality in a smaller file, so it's better for keeping photos on Apple devices. JPG is better for sharing and uploading because almost every device, app and website accepts it.