Convert HEIC to JPG
HEIC is Apple's modern image format for iPhone photos. It's more efficient than JPG but not compatible everywhere. This page covers every option to convert it.
HEIC decoding in the browser is currently only natively available in Safari. Chrome, Firefox and Edge can't open HEIC directly. For a browser-based conversion, we recommend these alternatives:
HEIC conversion options
Settings → Camera → Formats → choose "Most Compatible". iPhone will then save as JPG instead of HEIC. Or: Photos app → Share → Export as JPG.
Open the HEIC file → File → Export → set Format: JPEG. Works natively on any Mac without installation.
From the Microsoft Store: install 'HEIF Image Extensions' (free). Then open HEIC in Paint, Photos app or other Windows apps and save as JPG.
Upload HEIC photos to iCloud and download them via iCloud.com — Apple automatically converts to JPG when downloading on non-Apple devices.
Browser-based HEIC converters (e.g. heic2jpg.com) use a JavaScript HEIC library. These decode HEIC server- or client-side depending on the provider.
What is HEIC?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a container format based on the HEIF standard (ISO/IEC 23008-12). Apple has used it since iOS 11 (2017) as the default format for iPhone photos. It's built on the H.265/HEVC video codec and is typically 50% smaller than JPG at comparable quality.
The catch: despite being technically superior, HEIC lacks broad software support outside the Apple ecosystem. Many Windows apps, websites and older programs can't open HEIC — so converting to JPG is often necessary.
HEIC vs JPG vs WebP
| Format | File size | Quality | Browser support | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEIC | ⭐⭐⭐ Small | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Apple only | iPhone photos |
| WebP | ⭐⭐⭐ Small | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 96%+ modern | Web 2024 |
| JPG | ⭐⭐ Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Universal 100% | Email, print, universal |
| PNG | ⭐ Large | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Universal 100% | Logos, screenshots |
About this tool
In shortConvert HEIC to JPG — make iPhone photos readable for non-Apple recipients.
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) has been the default photo format on iPhones since iOS 11 (2017). Based on the HEVC/H.265 video codec, it's typically 30–50% smaller than JPG at the same quality. For Apple users it's a win: less storage, better quality, identical perception. For recipients outside the Apple ecosystem it's a pain: Windows 10 only opens HEIC with a paid extension, many web portals reject it, older image viewers fail outright.
With this tool you convert HEIC files locally to JPG, PNG or WebP. The HEIC decoder runs as a WebAssembly library in your browser — the ~600 KB WASM module loads once per session and then enables unlimited conversions.
Why does my iPhone export HEIC?The iOS camera app defaults to HEIC because it saves space. In Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible" you can force iOS to save JPG. But most iPhone users haven't changed this, and their photo library is mostly HEIC. Sending an iPhone photo by email to a Windows user often surfaces the problem.
Quality impact.HEIC-Lossy is more efficient than JPG-Lossy at the same perceived quality. Converting to JPG sacrifices some efficiency (the resulting JPG is 20–40% larger than the HEIC source at comparable perception), but the recipient can reliably open the file. A typical 2–3 MB iPhone HEIC becomes a 3–5 MB JPG at quality 85.
Convert to WebP instead of JPG.To combine Apple's photo efficiency with broad web compatibility, convert to WebP instead. Universal browser support since 2020, supports alpha (which JPG doesn't), and typically 25–35% smaller than JPG at equivalent quality. More in the WebP guide.
Live Photos and bursts.Apple HEIC files can contain Live Photo components and burst frames alongside the main still. Conversion to JPG keeps only the primary still — Live Photo motion and burst frames are dropped. To preserve them, export "Original" from the iOS Photos app and use specialized tools.
EXIF metadata.HEIC carries rich EXIF — GPS, camera model, lens, sometimes multiple preview thumbnails. Standard EXIF is carried over during conversion. To strip metadata (e.g. GPS location before sharing), use our EXIF editor afterwards.
Privacy.Local in your browser. No upload. Especially relevant for family photos, travel documentation and personal imagery. Related: HEIC and HEIF explained, WebP guide.