How to Convert HEIC Files to JPEG on a Mac

When you take a photo with an iPhone or iPad, the default format that images are saved in is Apple’s HEIC. This has been the standard for several years now, and although more devices are starting to support this file type, you may need to convert some of your images to a more compatible extension, like a JPEG.

Fortunately, there are several easy ways to convert image formats for Mac, and we’ll teach you each of them.

What is HEIC?

HEIC stands for High-Efficiency Image Codec and, as mentioned, it is used by Apple to store photos and their accompanying data on your device. It became the “new” file type introduced with iOS 11 due to its smaller file size compared to JPEG.

You may also hear about HEIF, which is a high-efficiency image format also used by Apple. In a nutshell, HEIC is what is used to store HEIF photos and data. So you may hear the terms used interchangeably.

how to Convert HEIC to JPEG on Mac Using Preview

Preview is the default app on MacOS for viewing images, unless you change it of course. The app gives you an easy way to open a HEIC photo and convert it to JPEG.

Step 1: If Preview is still your default image app, simply double-click the HEIC image and it will open in Preview. If you have changed your default application, you can open the image in Preview by right-clicking, moving to Open withand selecting Preview.

2nd step: Select Deposit > Export in the menu bar in Preview.

Step 3: In the pop-up window, rename your file and add a tag if desired. Next, choose a location to save the converted image.

Step 4: Next to Formatselect JPEG.

Step 5: Optionally, you can use the Quality slider to adjust the quality from least to best. When you move the slider, you will see the Adjust file size Also.

Step 6: Click on To safeguard.

That’s all we can say about it! You have just converted the HEIC photo to JPEG.

how to Convert HEIC to JPEG on Mac Using Photos

If you use iCloud and sync photos on your Mac with your iPhone or iPad, using the Photos app is a convenient way to convert a HEIC image.

Step 1: Open Photos on your Mac and select the image.

2nd step: Select Deposit > Export in the Photos menu bar. Take Export 1 photo in the context menu.

Step 3: In the window, next Photo typeselect JPEG.

Step 4: You can adjust the remaining settings before converting the file if you wish. These include options for JPEG quality, size, information, and file naming.

Step 5: Click on Export.

Step 6: Choose a location to save the converted image in the next window and click Export.

Just like that, you have converted your HEIC to JPEG using Photos on Mac.

What other image formats can you choose for export in Preview and Photos?

The Preview and Photos apps can do more than just convert a HEIC image to JPEG. In Preview, you can export an image in several different formats, including JPEG, JPEG-2000, OpenEXR, PDF, PNG, and TIFF.

Using the Photos app, you will be able to export a HEIC as a JPEG, PNG, or TIFF file.

What other methods can you use to convert HEIC to JPEG?

If you need to convert multiple HEIC images to JPEG at the same time, you can easily do it on MacOS. First, select all images to convert and right-click. Then hover Quick Actions in the drop-down list, then click Convert image. Select JPEG as the format, and that’s all there is to it.

You can also export multiple HEIC images to JPEG format in the Previews and Photos apps.

If you want to use one of your HEIC photos in an app or on a device that doesn’t support this file type, it’s easy to convert HEIC to JPEG directly on your Mac. Keeping this file format in mind, also learn how to share photos directly from iPhone to Android.

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