How to Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone, Windows & Mac – Fast, Easy & Free

Introduction

Snapped a killer photo on your iPhone, tried to open it on your Windows laptop, and boom—your system has no clue what to do with that .HEIC file. Annoying, right?

HEIC is Apple’s fancy, high-efficiency image format. Great for saving storage. Not so great when you want to upload a pic to your favorite site, open it on a PC, or share it with someone who’s not Team iPhone. That’s why everyone’s looking for the easiest way of how to convert HEIC to JPG—because JPGs just work everywhere: Windows, Android, Photoshop, even old school websites.

Whether you’re team Windows, a die-hard Mac user, or just want to fix this on your iPhone without downloading random apps—this guide has you covered. Let’s convert that HEIC drama into JPG peace of mind.

👉🏻Not sure what HEIC actually is? Here’s the full breakdown of the HEIC format and why Apple switched to it.

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Why Convert HEIC to JPG?

So, Apple says HEIC is the future. Cool. But the rest of the world didn’t get the memo. Here’s why converting HEIC to JPG just makes life easier:

1. Compatibility is a nightmare😖

• Windows? Nope.
• Most websites? Nope.
• Image editors like Photoshop or Canva? Also… not always.

JPG, on the other hand, is supported by literally everything—web apps, PCs, Androids, you name it.

2. Sharing becomes painless:
Sending pics to someone who isn’t using iOS? Converting to JPG means they can open your photos without downloading special apps or plugins.

3. Editing is way smoother:
A lot of popular tools still don’t love HEIC. JPG makes editing quick, clean, and universally compatible—even if you’re just using basic tools like Paint or Snapseed.

✨ Bonus Tip:
If you’re looking to turn HEICs into shareable PDFs for work, school, or client docs, check out our quick guide on converting HEIC to PDF.

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JPG vs JPEG: Is There Even a Difference?🧐

Spoiler alert: They're literally the same thing.

We get this question a lot—“Should I convert my HEIC file to JPG or JPEG?” The answer? Doesn’t matter. Here’s why:

The Tech Truth:
💠Both JPG and JPEG stand for the same thing:
💠Joint Photographic Experts Group — the name of the committee that created the image standard way back in the '90s.

Why Two Versions Then? 👬🏻
Blame it on Windows 95.
Back then, old-school Windows only supported three-letter file extensions. So .jpeg got shortened to .jpg to fit the system rules.

Meanwhile, macOS and Unix systems didn’t have that limit, so .jpeg remained common in Apple’s world.

🤷‍♂️ So, Which One Should You Use?
Use whichever works. Most modern devices, apps, and websites recognize both. But for max compatibility (especially on Windows), .jpg is still the go-to.

🔯Quick Note: Every time this article says JPG, it also means JPEG. No need to overthink it.

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How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows (Reliable Methods)

If you’ve transferred HEIC files from your iPhone to a Windows computer and they won’t open or convert properly, you’re not alone. Native support in Windows is hit-or-miss. Here are proven methods that actually work:

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Option 1: Install HEIF & HEVC Extensions (Once Only)

To view or convert HEIC files natively, your Windows system must have two Microsoft extensions:
1️⃣HEIF Image Extensions
2️⃣HEVC Video Extensions (sometimes required for full decoding)

How to install:
1️⃣Open Microsoft Store.
2️⃣Search for HEIF Image Extensions and click Install (it’s free).
3️⃣Also search for HEVC Video Extensions — this one costs $0.99 from Microsoft (alternatively, you can use a third-party converter instead of paying).
4️⃣After installing, you should be able to open HEIC images in the Photos app and use the Save As option to export them as JPG.

🥈If this still doesn’t work for you, skip to Option 2 below.

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Option 2: Use CopyTrans HEIC for Windows (Free & Lightweight)

This free tool lets you open HEIC files in Windows Photo Viewer and convert them to JPG directly from the right-click menu.

Steps:

1. Download and install CopyTrans HEIC for Windows.
2. Right-click any HEIC file.
3. Select Convert to JPEG with CopyTrans.
4. The converted JPG file will be saved in the same folder.

🫥Note: This is a well-known and widely used utility. No ads, no bloatware — works cleanly and offline.

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Option 3: Use a Trusted Online Converter (When You Don’t Want to Install Anything)

If you only have a few HEIC images and want a quick solution:

1. Go to a reliable website like:
   • cloudconvert.com
   • iloveimg.com/heic-to-jpg
2. Upload your HEIC file.
3. Select JPG as the output format.
4. Download the converted file.

🧔🏻Caution: Avoid uploading private or sensitive images to any online tool.

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How to Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone (No Apps Needed)

iPhones save images in HEIC by default to save storage. But if you want to avoid HEIC and get JPGs directly from your iPhone, you're in luck — iOS gives you a few solid ways to do it without any third-party apps.

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Option 1: Change iPhone Camera Settings to Shoot in JPG 🕺🏻

This prevents the HEIC issue altogether by setting your iPhone to capture JPGs from the start.

Here’s how:
☝🏽Open Settings > Camera > Formats.
✌🏽Under Camera Capture, select Most Compatible.

😜Now your iPhone will take photos in JPG instead of HEIC. Videos will use H.264 instead of HEVC.

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Option 2: Convert Automatically When Transferring to PC 🚴🏻‍♂️

When you transfer photos to a Windows PC, iOS can automatically convert HEICs to JPGs.

Steps:
1️⃣Go to Settings > Photos.
2️⃣Scroll down to Transfer to Mac or PC.
3️⃣Select Automatic instead of "Keep Originals."
👍🏽Now whenever you connect your iPhone via USB and import photos using the Photos app or File Explorer, your HEIC files will be transferred as JPGs.

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Option 3: Use the Files App (Manual Conversion) 🤸🏻‍♂️

You can manually create a JPG copy from a HEIC image:

1. Open the Photos app and select your HEIC image.
2. Tap Share > choose Save to Files.
3. Save it in any location (e.g., On My iPhone > Downloads).
4. Open the Files app, long press the image, and tap Quick Look > then Share > Save Image.
5. iOS will now generate a JPG version in your Photos.
   
   💁🏻‍♀️Tip for Creators & Businesses: If you're sending product shots or portfolio images to clients or uploading to platforms that reject HEIC, setting your iPhone to “Most Compatible” (JPG) is your safest bet.

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How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac (Built-In & Easy)

If you're a Mac user, converting HEIC to JPG is smoother than on Windows — thanks to macOS's native support. Here’s how to get it done using tools already built into your Mac.

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Option 1: Use the Preview App (Fastest Way) 😀

Steps:
1. Right-click your HEIC image and choose Open With > Preview.
2. In the Preview menu bar, click File > Export.
3. Under Format, choose JPEG.
4. Select quality level and save the file to your preferred location.

✅ Done — your image is now saved as a JPG!

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Option 2: Convert Multiple HEIC Files in One Go (Batch Mode)👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

If you’ve got a folder full of HEIC files:
➡️Select all the HEIC files in Finder.
➡️Right-click and choose Open With > Preview (opens in one window).
➡️Press Command + A to select all inside Preview.
➡️Go to File > Export Selected Images.
➡️Choose destination folder, then select JPEG format.

💁🏻‍♂️Ideal for photographers, bloggers, or anyone batch-editing their iPhone photo dumps.

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Option 3: Use the Photos App (If Images Are Already in Library)🎨

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Select the HEIC images you want to convert.
3. Go to File > Export > Export [#] Photos.
4. In the pop-up, choose JPEG as the format.
5. Set your file quality, naming convention, and export location.

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JPG vs HEIC – Which One Should You Use?

Apple made the HEIC format to save space while keeping image quality high — but is it always the better choice? Let’s break it down in plain English.

JPG (or JPEG): The Universal Standard 🌈

• Works everywhere — Windows, Android, web browsers, email clients, image editors.
• Slightly larger file size, but good enough quality for most people.
• Doesn’t support things like transparency or Apple’s extra features (like depth or Live Photos).
• Great for sharing, uploading, or editing without any compatibility headaches.

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HEIC: Smarter, But Not Everywhere Yet 🌱

• Used by iPhones and iPads by default.
• Smaller file sizes with equal or better image quality than JPG.
• Can hold multiple images, transparency, and more metadata (like depth info).
• Not supported by many older tools, websites, or Windows apps unless you install extra software.

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Why Apple Chose HEIC Over JPG (The Tech Behind It)

Ever wondered why Apple ditched the classic JPG and embraced HEIC? Spoiler: it’s not just to annoy Windows users. Apple adopted the HEIC format starting with iOS 11 to save storage without compromising quality—learn more in Apple’s explanation of HEIC format.

Here’s the tech reason:

• HEIC is based on HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format), which uses HEVC (H.265) compression — the same tech behind high-res video streaming.
• Compared to JPG, HEIC can deliver the same image quality in about half the file size.
• That means you can store twice as many photos on your iPhone without losing quality.
• Plus, HEIC supports advanced features like:
  • Transparency (like PNG)
  • Multiple images in a single file (hello, Live Photos!)
  • 16-bit color depth vs JPG’s 8-bit — better color accuracy

👉 So while converting HEIC to JPG helps with compatibility, know that you're stepping down in compression efficiency and tech features.

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So Which One Should You Use?☹️

Use JPG if:
💠You’re uploading to a website, editing in older apps, or sharing with non-Apple users.
💠You want a guaranteed compatible format with zero conversion needed.

Stick with HEIC if:
💠You mostly use Apple devices and want to save storage without losing photo quality.
💠You use iCloud, AirDrop, or Apple Photos and rarely need to export outside that world.

🎺Pro Insight: If you shoot in HEIC for quality + storage but need to send images elsewhere, just convert the best ones to JPG — no need to switch your whole workflow.

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Working with HEIC Files in Photoshop & Canva – What You Need to Know

So, you’ve got a .heic image and you're trying to drag it into Photoshop or Canva — and boom, nothing happens. Yep, it’s a common hiccup for designers and content creators.

In Photoshop (Windows/macOS)🖼️

Native HEIC Support (macOS): If you’re using Photoshop on macOS (High Sierra or later), you’re in luck — HEIC files usually open without any extra steps, thanks to built-in support.

🪟 On Windows: Windows users, however, may need to do a bit of setup:
💠Install the HEIF Image Extension from the Microsoft Store.
💠Restart Photoshop, then try opening the file again.

😦Still stuck? Convert your .heic to .jpg before opening it. Many designers use free tools like iMazing HEIC Converter or Preview on Mac to batch-convert files.

🙋🏻Even if Photoshop opens HEIC, some features like Smart Objects or RAW editing may be limited. JPG gives more flexibility in editing.

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In Canva 🖌️

Canva does not currently support HEIC files directly. If you upload one, it’ll either fail or show an error.

Quick Fix: How to convert HEIC to JPG, here is the way:
💠Your iPhone (change photo format settings)
💠An online converter
💠The built-in Mac Preview app
👍🏻Once it’s in JPG format, you can drag and drop into Canva like normal.

🧑🏻‍🏫Pro Tip: If you frequently edit iPhone photos in design tools, it's smarter to set your iPhone camera to save images in JPG. That way, you skip conversions altogether and stay in your creative flow.

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Final Thoughts – Converting HEIC to JPG Is Easier Than You Think

Let’s be real — we’ve all been there. You transfer a photo from your iPhone to your Windows PC or try uploading it somewhere, and boom... it’s in .heic format. What even is that, right?

But here’s the good news: whether you're on Windows, iPhone, or Mac, learning how to convert HEIC to JPG isn’t rocket science. You don’t need to be a tech geek, download sketchy software, or bang your head against your keyboard. You just need the right guide (which you now have ✌️).

In case you need a quick recap:

• Wondering how to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows? Built-in tools and free apps have your back.
• Need to convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone? You can literally automate it in your camera settings.
• Using a Mac? Yep — converting HEIC to JPG on macOS is just a right-click away in Preview.

This is modern file management, simplified — and you're fully equipped now.

So the next time someone panics over a HEIC file, just smile and say:
“I got this.” 😎

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