Images · How-to
How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Any Device
If someone sent you a photo from their iPhone and Windows can't open it, chances are it's a HEIC file. HEIC is Apple's more efficient replacement for JPEG — great for storage, awkward for compatibility. This guide covers conversion on Windows, Mac, mobile, and in the browser.
What is HEIC?
HEIC (also called HEIF) is a container for images encoded with the HEVC (H.265) codec. It typically produces files 40–50% smaller than JPEG at the same visual quality, supports 16-bit color, transparency, and burst/live-photo metadata. The catch: many older apps and non-Apple platforms don't natively support it.
The fastest way (any device, no install)
- Open the Toolzer HEIC to JPG Converter.
- Drop one or many HEIC files onto the page.
- Adjust quality if you want (default 90 is a good balance).
- Download individually or grab a ZIP.
Everything runs in your browser — no upload, no signup.
On iPhone / iPad
The easiest fix is at the source: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. New photos save as JPEG. To convert existing HEICs, share them via Mail or Messages — iOS auto-converts to JPEG when the recipient can't read HEIC. For batch conversion, apps like Image Converter or Shortcuts work well.
On Mac
- Open the HEIC in Preview.
- File → Export…
- Choose JPEG, set quality, and save.
For many files, select them in Finder → right-click → Quick Actions → Convert Image.
On Windows
Install the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, then open the file in Photos and use File → Save as to write JPEG. For batch conversion, use Toolzer or a desktop tool like IrfanView.
On Android
Most modern Android phones display HEIC natively (Android 10+). To convert, use Google Photos → open → three-dot menu → Save as JPEG. For bulk conversion, Toolzer in Chrome for Android is the simplest option.
Command line (batch)
# macOS / Linux — with libheif
brew install libheif
heif-convert input.heic output.jpg
# ImageMagick (both platforms)
magick input.heic output.jpgQuality settings that matter
- Quality 90–95 — visually identical to the HEIC source.
- Quality 80 — good default for sharing; ~30% smaller.
- Quality 70 or below — visible artifacts start appearing, especially in skies and skin tones.
Privacy note
HEIC files often contain GPS coordinates in EXIF metadata. When you convert and share the JPEG, that location typically comes along. Strip EXIF before publishing photos taken at home or at work.
Try it on Toolzer
- HEIC to JPG Converter — runs in your browser, batch supported.
- HEIC to PNG Converter — when you need lossless output.
- HEIC Viewer — preview without converting.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my iPhone save photos as HEIC?+
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) stores photos at roughly half the file size of JPEG with equal or better quality. Apple defaults to it since iOS 11 to save storage.
Do I lose quality converting HEIC to JPG?+
A little — JPEG uses older compression, so re-encoding always loses some detail. For most photos the difference is invisible; for edited or heavily-compressed images it can be noticeable.
Can Windows open HEIC files?+
Windows 11 supports HEIC via the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Older Windows versions need a converter or third-party viewer.
How do I stop my iPhone from making HEIC?+
Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. New photos will be JPEG. Existing HEIC files stay HEIC.
Can I convert HEIC without uploading?+
Yes. Toolzer's converter runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly — nothing leaves your device.
Does HEIC preserve EXIF data?+
Yes, and converting to JPEG normally preserves EXIF (camera model, GPS, timestamp) too. Toolzer's converter keeps it by default; strip it manually if you're sharing publicly.