See also our complete image to JPG guide
Every iPhone saves photos in HEIC format by default. It's a great format — excellent quality at half the file size of JPG — but most Windows PCs, older apps, and many websites can't open HEIC files. The fix takes 5 seconds: ImageConvert.to converts HEIC to JPG instantly in your browser.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG
★ Recommended: ImageConvert.to
- Open imageconvert.to in any browser
- Drop your HEIC file(s) — or tap to browse on mobile
- Select JPG as the output format
- Adjust quality if needed (85% is the default sweet spot)
- Click "Convert all" and download your JPG
- No codec installation needed — works directly in the browser, even if Windows can't open HEIC
- Total privacy — photos are processed locally on your device, never uploaded
- Batch conversion — convert all your iPhone photos at once, no limit
- Quality slider — precise control over the size/quality balance
- 100% free — no signup, no watermark, no file size limit
Why iPhones Use HEIC Instead of JPG
- 50% smaller files — A 12 MP photo is ~2 MB in HEIC vs ~4 MB in JPG
- Better quality — HEIC preserves more detail at the same file size
- 16-bit color — Wider color range than JPG's 8-bit
- Advanced features — Supports depth maps, Live Photos, and HDR data
The tradeoff? Compatibility. HEIC isn't universally supported outside the Apple ecosystem.
Where HEIC Files Cause Problems
| Platform | HEIC Support |
|---|---|
| macOS / iOS | Yes (native) |
| Windows 10/11 | Partial (codec needed) |
| Windows 7/8 | No |
| WordPress / Shopify | No |
| Photoshop (2023+) | Yes |
| GIMP | Partial |
How to Stop iPhone from Saving as HEIC
- Open Settings → Camera → Formats
- Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency"
This makes your iPhone save photos as JPG directly. The downside: photos take up roughly twice the storage space. If storage matters, keep HEIC and convert when sharing — ImageConvert.to makes it effortless.
HEIC vs JPG Comparison
| Aspect | HEIC | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| File size (12 MP) | ~2 MB | ~4 MB |
| Color depth | 16-bit | 8-bit |
| Transparency | Yes | No |
| Compatibility | Apple ecosystem | Universal |
HEIC to JPG on Different Platforms
On Windows
Windows doesn't natively open HEIC without installing the HEIC codec. Skip the hassle: open imageconvert.to in Edge or Chrome and convert directly.
On Mac
macOS handles HEIC natively. For sharing with Windows users, use ImageConvert.to or Preview (File → Export → JPEG).
On iPhone
Open Safari, go to imageconvert.to, select photos from your camera roll, and convert. For more iPhone methods, see our iPhone conversion guide.
FAQ
How do I convert HEIC files to JPEG?
Go to imageconvert.to, drop your HEIC files, select JPG, and download. It's free, works in any browser, and your photos never leave your device.
Why do my photos become HEIC instead of JPG?
iPhones running iOS 11+ save photos in HEIC by default because it produces 50% smaller files. Change this in Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible."
How do I view a HEIC file?
On Mac/iPhone, HEIC opens natively. On Windows, install the HEIC Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store — or convert to JPG with imageconvert.to for instant viewing.
How to change iPhone photos from HEIC to JPG?
Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible." For existing HEIC photos, batch convert with imageconvert.to.