HEIC explained
HEIC is a filename extension commonly used for images saved with High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF). It is based on the High Efficiency Image Coding (HEVC) family of compression technology. Apple devices use HEIC for photos because it can store image data efficiently while maintaining visual quality.
Why do iPhone photos use HEIC?
HEIC can provide a smaller file than a comparable JPEG at similar perceived image quality. That can help save storage space on a phone and reduce the size of photo libraries. The exact file size and quality depend on the scene, camera settings and encoding process.
The trade-off is compatibility. Some older applications, websites, operating systems and image workflows expect JPEG or PNG files and may not recognize HEIC without additional support.
HEIC vs JPG: what is the difference?
Efficient storage. Useful for keeping photos on supported Apple devices and compatible software. Support varies across apps and platforms.
Broad compatibility. A practical choice for uploading to websites, sharing with older devices and using in common image editors.
Neither format is always the right choice. Keep the original HEIC when you want to preserve your source file. Make a JPEG copy when a service or recipient specifically requires JPG. JPEG is lossy, so converting repeatedly can reduce image quality.
When should you convert HEIC to JPG?
- A website upload form rejects .heic files but accepts .jpg or .jpeg.
- You need to share photos with a device or application that does not support HEIC.
- A document, presentation or editing workflow specifically asks for JPEG images.
If you need transparency or lossless image encoding, PNG may be a better output choice than JPG. For modern web delivery, WebP can also be useful when the destination supports it.
How to convert a HEIC photo
- Choose the HEIC or HEIF photo on your device.
- Select the output format required by your destination, such as JPG, PNG or WebP.
- Convert the image and download the resulting copy.
Use the HEICConverter online tool to choose JPG, PNG, WebP, TIFF, BMP or GIF output. You can select up to 10 images per batch, subject to the combined 20 MiB upload limit. The files are uploaded to the conversion server, so avoid uploading sensitive photos unless you accept the deployment's data-handling practices.
Does changing the file extension convert HEIC to JPG?
No. Renaming photo.heic to photo.jpg only changes the filename; it does not change the image encoding. A real conversion decodes the source image and encodes its pixels in the selected output format.
Keep your original photo
Conversion creates a separate output file. Keep the original HEIC if you may need its original data or want to convert it again later using different settings.
Next: learn how to open HEIC files on Windows, or return to the HEIC image converter.