Why convert HEIC to JPG?
HEIC photos can be hard to open, share, or upload when the receiving software does not support the format. A JPEG copy is easier to use across websites and common tools. If an upload form rejects a .heic file, converting a copy to JPG can solve that format mismatch.
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC is an image file format commonly used for iPhone photos. It stores a photograph using HEVC compression inside a HEIF container. HEIF stands for High Efficiency Image File Format: it describes how images and their associated information are stored together.
The format comes from MPEG standards, not an Apple-only invention. Apple brought it to a much wider audience with iOS 11 in 2017. On supported iPhones, the camera’s High Efficiency setting saves photos as HEIC to use less storage than JPEG at comparable visual quality.
Background: Library of Congress on HEIC and HEIF.
HEIC vs. JPEG: storage or compatibility?
Why keep the HEIC original
HEIC compresses photos efficiently, so a photo library takes up less room. The format can also hold multiple images and extra information that a single JPEG cannot represent.
Its drawback is support. An app needs a compatible decoder, and an upload form may reject HEIC even when your device can open it.
Why send a JPEG copy
JPEG works with far more image editors, document tools and upload forms. Use it when someone asks for a JPG or when a service refuses your HEIC photo.
The tradeoff is a new round of lossy compression. The JPEG may also be larger than the original HEIC. Converting improves compatibility. It does not improve the source photo.
Keep the HEIC as your original and make JPEG copies for delivery. FastConvert exports one still image per file, so keep the original if you need Live Photo motion or other images stored with it.
JPEG, PNG, WebP or AVIF?
Choose the format your recipient or publishing tool needs. For a form that asks for JPG, JPEG is the right choice.
Swipe across the table to see every column.
| Format | Use it to | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| HEIC | Keep your original photos | Efficient storage. The receiving app must support it. |
| JPEG / JPG | Send photos or upload to a form | Widely accepted, with lossy compression and no transparency. |
| PNG | Save without further lossy compression | Supports transparency. Photo files can be much larger. |
| WebP | Publish photos on a website | Efficient web delivery. Check that your CMS accepts it. |
| AVIF | Optimize images for the web | Strong compression. Check your editing and publishing tools. |
PNG cannot restore detail already lost in the source. For web format support, see MDN’s image format guide.
How to convert HEIC to JPG online
Use the converter above on your phone or computer. FastConvert uploads and processes your files on its servers, so you don’t need to install a HEIC codec.
Add your HEIC photos
Select the original files from your device or cloud storage. JPG and JPEG are the same format. This page creates files with a .jpeg extension.
Choose quality and dimensions
Keep JPEG selected. Leave resizing off for the original dimensions, or set the size your upload form needs. Higher quality retains more detail but usually produces a larger file.
Convert and download
Start the conversion, then download the finished files. Check a photo’s detail, orientation and colors in the app where you’ll use it before converting a larger batch.
Free conversion needs no account and adds no watermark. You can process 10 images per batch, up to 10 MB each, with 20 conversions per 24 hours.
Receiving HEIC photos every week?
If a client sends iPhone product photos for every new listing, save the JPEG quality and dimensions as a conversion recipe. Reuse it for the next batch instead of entering the settings again.
A free account includes 1 saved recipe. Paid plans add larger batches, more recipes and delivery to Google Drive or Dropbox after you start each conversion.
Want your iPhone to take JPEGs?
On supported iPhones, go to Settings → Camera → Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos will use JPEG. This changes future captures. It does not convert the HEIC photos already in your library.
You can also keep High Efficiency enabled to save storage and convert only the photos you need to share. On a Mac, Preview offers File → Export → JPEG for a local conversion.
Instructions: Apple’s guide to HEIF photos. If your source uses the .heif extension, use the HEIF to JPEG converter.