You copy photos from an iPhone to a laptop and they end in .HEIC. Windows Photos asks for an extension, a job portal rejects the file, or WhatsApp Web won't attach it. HEIC is a good format (about half the size of JPG at the same quality) but plenty of software still expects JPG.
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default photo format on iPhones since iOS 11. It stores the same picture in roughly half the space of a JPG, which is why Apple uses it. JPG is older and less efficient, but it opens everywhere.
The quickest way: convert in your browser
- Open the image converter.
- Drop in your HEIC photos, up to 20 at a time for free.
- Choose JPG and keep quality at 85 (a good balance of size and detail).
- Download the photos one by one, or all together as a ZIP.
This works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook and phones. The photos are converted on your own device, so family pictures and ID scans are never uploaded.
Convert HEIC on Windows without extra software
Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files if you install Microsoft's free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Some devices also need HEVC Video Extensions. Once they are installed, open the photo in Photos and use Save as to pick JPG. This is fine for one or two photos; for a folder of them, a batch converter is faster.
On iPhone: share as JPG, or stop saving HEIC
- Send photos as JPG automatically: go to Settings > Photos and under Transfer to Mac or PC choose Automatic. The iPhone then converts photos when you copy them to a computer.
- Save new photos as JPG: go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos take more space, but every device can open them.
On Android
Recent Android phones open HEIC photos you receive, but many upload forms still don't accept them. Open the image converter in Chrome on your phone, choose the photos from your gallery and convert them to JPG there.
HEIC, JPG, PNG or WebP: which to pick?
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| JPG | Photos you need to upload, email or print. Opens everywhere. |
| PNG | Screenshots, logos and anything with transparency. |
| WebP | Images for websites: smaller than JPG, supported by all modern browsers. |
| HEIC | Keeping photos on your iPhone in the least space. |
Frequently asked questions
Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?
Very little at quality 85 or above. JPG files will be larger than the HEIC originals, because JPG compresses less efficiently, not because detail was added.
Can I convert many HEIC files at once?
Yes. The image converter takes up to 20 photos per batch for free and gives you a ZIP of the results.
Do converted photos keep the right orientation?
Yes. Sideways phone photos are turned the right way during conversion.