You took a photo on your iPhone. It saved as HEIC format. You tried to open it on your Windows computer. Nothing happened. You tried to email it to your friend with an Android phone. They could not see the photo. You attempted to upload it to a website. The site rejected it because it only accepts JPG.
This is the problem with HEIC to JPG and PNG conversion.
HEIC is Apple's modern image format. It makes photos 50% smaller than JPEG while actually looking better. It is brilliant technology. But it is also locked into Apple's ecosystem. The rest of the world—Windows computers, Android phones, older software, websites—does not speak the HEIC language.
Converting HEIC to JPG or PNG is the solution. But conversion has real costs. You lose data. You lose advanced features. You lose efficiency. Understanding what you gain and what you lose helps you make smart decisions.
This guide teaches you everything about converting HEIC to JPG and PNG. You will understand why HEIC exists, why conversion is necessary, what happens during conversion, and how to do it without destroying quality. By the end, you will know more about image formats than most casual users.
1. What Is HEIC and Why Did Apple Create It?
Before understanding conversion, you must understand what HEIC is and why Apple made it the default format for iPhones.
The iPhone Storage Problem
When Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, storage was limited. A 16 GB iPhone seemed huge. But as phones became cameras, people took thousands of photos. Modern iPhones have high-resolution sensors. A single 12-megapixel photo from an iPhone can be several megabytes.
Do the math: 1,000 photos × 5 MB each = 5 GB. That is one-quarter of storage gone for just 1,000 photos.
Apple faced a choice: charge more for storage or make the format more efficient. They chose both. But the format efficiency was the key innovation.
What Apple Built: HEIC
In 2017, Apple introduced HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) with iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra.
HEIC is based on a modern video compression technology called HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265. The same technology Apple was using to compress 4K video on iPhones. They adapted it to compress still photos.
The results were revolutionary:
50% smaller files than JPEG at the same quality
Better color support (16-bit instead of 8-bit)
Transparency support (unlike JPEG)
Multiple images in one file (for bursts and Live Photos)
Editable without quality loss (store edit history)
A typical iPhone photo that was 5 MB as JPEG became 2.5 MB as HEIC. A 256 GB iPhone could now hold twice as many photos.
2. Why Conversion Is Necessary
HEIC is brilliant for Apple devices. But the world does not run on Apple devices alone.
The Compatibility Wall
HEIC is new. It is advanced. But it is also incompatible with older systems, older software, and non-Apple devices.
Where HEIC Does Not Work:
Windows computers (without special codec installation)
Android phones (inconsistent support)
Older software (anything written before 2017)
Legacy operating systems (Windows 7, older macOS)
Web browsers (no native support)
Social media (many platforms reject HEIC)
Professional printing services (require JPEG)
The Result: Someone sends you a HEIC photo. You open it on your Windows computer. Windows does not recognize the file. You see nothing.
Top Reasons for Conversion
1. Windows Compatibility
Your Windows computer does not support HEIC by default. To view HEIC files, you must install codec extensions from the Microsoft Store. Most users do not want the hassle. They just want to open the photo. Converting to JPG solves this instantly.
2. Sharing with Non-Apple Users
You took a HEIC photo on your iPhone. You email it to a friend with an Android phone. They cannot open it. Your mom with an older Windows laptop cannot see it. You convert it to JPG, and suddenly everyone can view the photo.
3. File Sharing Platforms
Many websites and apps reject HEIC files. They only accept JPG or PNG. If you want to upload to a cloud service, photo gallery site, or social platform, you may need to convert first.
4. Professional Use
If you are a photographer and you use professional software, HEIC might not be supported. Design software, publishing tools, and print services typically expect JPEG. Convert to JPG for workflow compatibility.
5. Archival and Long-Term Storage
HEIC is relatively new. Older systems cannot read it. If you are archiving photos for 10-20 years and want maximum compatibility, JPEG is the safer choice. It has been around for 30 years and will likely be supported for 30 more.
3. Technical Overview: How HEIC Compression Works
Understanding the compression technology helps you understand why conversion causes quality loss.
HEVC: The Heart of HEIC
HEIC uses a compression algorithm called HEVC (H.265). This is the same technology used to compress 4K video on iPhones.
How HEVC compresses images:
Analyzes the image looking for patterns and similarities
Groups similar pixels together instead of storing each pixel individually
Stores differences between adjacent frames (even in still photos)
Uses motion-compensation techniques from video compression
Encodes the result efficiently using advanced mathematical algorithms
The result: A file that is roughly half the size of JPEG.
Lossy vs. Lossless HEIC
HEIC supports two compression modes:
Lossy HEIC (Most Common)
Throws away data you are unlikely to notice
Results in smaller files
Quality loss is permanent
Most iPhone photos use this
Lossless HEIC
Keeps all original data exactly as it was
No quality loss, ever
Files are larger than lossy
Less common (used when preserving every detail matters)
HEIC's Advanced Features
HEIC is not just compression. It is a modern container format that can hold:
Multiple images (photo bursts, sequences)
Audio (for Live Photos)
Transparency (alpha channel, unlike JPEG)
HDR data (high dynamic range)
Depth information (for portrait mode)
Edit history (non-destructive editing)
All of this advanced data is lost when you convert to standard JPG
4. The Quality Loss Problem: What Happens During Conversion
Converting HEIC to JPG involves a critical issue: both formats use lossy compression.
The Double Lossy Problem
Here is the fundamental problem: HEIC is lossy. JPG is also lossy.
When you take a photo on your iPhone:
First compression: iPhone compresses it as lossy HEIC (some data thrown away)
Conversion time: You convert HEIC to JPG
Second compression: JPG compresses it again (more data thrown away)
Result: Your photo has been compressed twice. Data has been removed twice. The final JPG looks noticeably worse than if you had started with the original uncompressed photo.
Quality Loss Is Permanent
Unlike PNG (which is lossless), both HEIC and JPG throw away data during compression. Once that data is gone, it is gone forever. You cannot recover it.
Example:
Original HEIC photo: 2.5 MB
Converted to JPG: 3 MB (now larger but with less quality)
The image looks worse, not better
Where You See the Artifacts
When you convert HEIC to JPG, you might notice:
Blurry text and sharp edges (fine details become less crisp)
Color banding (smooth gradients become visible bands of color)
Blockiness (8×8 pixel blocks visible in some images)
Halos around high-contrast areas (where black meets white, slight fuzzy edges appear)
These artifacts are more visible in certain types of images:
Text and fine lines: Very visible
Gradients and transitions: Visible
Photographic areas with natural variation: Barely noticeable
Quality Recommendations
When converting HEIC to JPG, what quality setting should you use?
Quality 90%: Recommended for professional use. Imperceptible quality loss, good file size.
Quality 85%: Good balance for most uses. Default in many tools.
Quality 70%: Moderate quality loss but significant file size reduction.
Quality 100%: Similar quality to 95%. Takes up much more space for minimal gain.
Professional recommendation: Use quality 85-90% for HEIC to JPG conversion.
5. File Size: Why Conversion Makes Files Larger
One surprising result of HEIC to JPG conversion is that your file gets larger, not smaller.
HEIC Is Smaller by Design
HEIC was engineered to be compact. It achieves 50% size reduction compared to JPEG.
This is the entire reason HEIC exists—to make iPhone storage last longer.
Conversion Reverses the Advantage
When you convert HEIC to JPG, you are taking an efficiently compressed file and recompressing it using an older, less efficient algorithm.
Real numbers:
A 2.5 MB HEIC becomes 3-5 MB as JPEG. You lose the efficiency advantage and quality gets worse.
Why This Matters
Larger files mean:
Slower email attachments
More storage space needed
Slower upload/download speeds
Higher bandwidth costs for websites
You are sacrificing the entire benefit of HEIC.
6. Advanced Features Lost During Conversion
HEIC is not just a compression format. It is a modern container that holds advanced photographic data. When you convert to JPG, you lose all of this.
Live Photos Become Ordinary Photos
A Live Photo is a short video clip combined with a still photo. Your iPhone captures a second before and after the moment you press the shutter button.
HEIC can store all of this in one file. JPG cannot.
Result: When you convert a Live Photo to JPG, you get only the still image. The video sequence and audio are completely lost. The interactive feature that makes Live Photos special is gone.
Image Bursts Become Single Images
When you hold down the shutter button on an iPhone, it captures dozens of images per second—a burst mode. These can all be stored in a single HEIC file.
When you convert to JPG, you lose the burst sequence. You get only one image.
Depth Information Vanishes
Portrait Mode on iPhones uses depth information. The phone measures how far away different parts of the scene are, allowing it to blur the background while keeping the subject sharp.
This depth data is stored in HEIC. When you convert to JPG, this information is discarded. Future depth-based edits or AI processing becomes impossible.
Transparency Support Is Lost
HEIC supports transparency (alpha channel), like PNG. JPG does not.
If your HEIC has a transparent background, that transparency is lost when converting to JPG. Transparent areas become white (or whatever color you choose).
Edit History Is Discarded
HEIC stores non-destructive edit history. You can crop or adjust colors, and the original image data is still there. You can undo edits later.
JPG does not store this. Your edits become permanent and irreversible.
7. Metadata and EXIF Data: What Gets Lost?
When you take a photo on your iPhone, the file contains hidden information: EXIF data (camera settings, date, GPS location, etc.).
What EXIF Data Includes
Date and time the photo was taken
GPS location (if enabled)
Camera model and settings
Lens information
Aperture, shutter speed, ISO
Copyright information
Camera manufacturer details
This information is valuable for photographers who want to know how each photo was taken.
What Happens During Conversion
Some metadata is preserved, some is lost.
Usually Preserved:
Content Created date (original photo capture time)
Camera model
Lens information
GPS location
Basic EXIF data
Often Lost:
File creation/modification dates (changed to conversion date)
Some EXIF fields (software changes from "iPhone" to "Photoshop")
Partial metadata (varies by conversion tool)
Real Impact: A professional photo might have 100+ metadata fields. After conversion, only 70-80 might remain.
How to Prevent Metadata Loss
Use professional tools like Adobe Lightroom (preserves EXIF)
Use ExifTool to manually preserve metadata
Avoid basic online converters (they often strip metadata)
Test with one image first to verify preservation
Keep the original HEIC file if metadata is critical
8. Batch Conversion: Converting Multiple HEIC Files
If you have dozens or hundreds of HEIC photos, converting one-by-one would take forever.
Methods for Batch Conversion
Online Tools
Upload multiple HEIC files
Click "Convert"
Download ZIP with all JPG/PNG files
Advantages: Easy, no installation needed
Disadvantages: Size limits (usually 80-200 MB), metadata loss, internet required
Desktop Software
Install converter software on your computer
Add HEIC folder
Configure quality settings
Click "Convert All"
Advantages: No size limits, offline, better metadata handling
Disadvantages: Must install software, learning curve, takes hard drive space
Command-Line Tools
Type command like: magick mogrify -format jpg *.HEIC
Instant conversion of entire folder
Advantages: Extremely fast (bulk processing), powerful scripting
Disadvantages: Requires technical knowledge, no visual interface
Time Requirements
Small batch (10-50 images): Under 1 minute
Medium batch (50-500 images): 2-15 minutes
Large batch (500+ images): 15+ minutes
Critical Step: Quality Testing
Before batch converting 500 images, test first:
Convert 5-10 sample images
Check quality by comparing to originals
Verify file sizes are acceptable
Only then batch convert everything
This prevents discovering after converting all 500 images that the quality was wrong.
9. Converting to JPG vs. PNG: Which Should You Choose?
If you decide conversion is necessary, which format should you use?
Choose JPG If:
The original is a photograph
File size matters (JPG is much smaller than PNG)
You do not need transparency
Maximum compatibility is important
You want to match the universal standard
Choose PNG If:
You need transparency
The image has sharp edges or text (HEIC as PNG preserves quality)
Quality is more important than file size
You plan to edit the image further
You can tolerate much larger files
Direct Comparison
10. Windows Compatibility: The Main Reason for Conversion
Windows is the biggest compatibility issue with HEIC.
Default Windows Behavior
Windows 10: Does not support HEIC by default. If you try to open a HEIC file, Windows does not recognize it.
Windows 11: Better support, but still not perfect.
How to Fix HEIC Support on Windows
You have two options:
Option 1: Install Codec Extensions
Open Microsoft Store app
Search for "HEIF Image Extensions"
Install the official Microsoft extension
Now Windows Photos app can open HEIC files
Option 2: Convert to JPG
Use an online or desktop converter
Convert HEIC to JPG
JPG opens perfectly in all Windows apps
Which Option Is Better?
If you receive HEIC files occasionally, install the codec. One-time installation solves the problem.
If you receive HEIC files constantly, conversion might be easier. You keep a folder of JPGs that work everywhere.
11. Android and Other Devices: Inconsistent Support
Android support for HEIC is unreliable.
The Problem
Different Android devices have different codec support. Samsung Android might support HEIC. A Mediatek processor phone might not. Older Android versions (before 9) almost never support HEIC.
Result: You send a HEIC photo to an Android friend. They might see it. They might see a broken image. Depends on their specific device and Android version.
The Solution
For Android compatibility, always convert to JPG. JPG is supported on every Android device since Android's beginning.
12. When NOT to Convert: Situations to Avoid
Conversion is not always necessary. Sometimes you are better off keeping HEIC.
Keep HEIC When:
You only share with other Apple users (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
You are archiving photos and storage space is limited
You want to edit the photo later and preserve quality
You need Live Photos functionality
You need to preserve depth data (portrait mode)
You want maximum quality with minimum file size
Convert to JPG When:
Sharing with Windows users
Uploading to websites that reject HEIC
Sending to Android users
Printing professionally
Using software that doesn't support HEIC
Maximum compatibility is required
Convert to PNG When:
You need perfect quality (lossless)
You are editing the photo extensively
You need transparency
The original is already of high quality
13. Common Mistakes When Converting HEIC
Mistake 1: Converting Lossy to Lossy Multiple Times
The Error: Convert HEIC to JPG. Edit the JPG. Save as JPG again. Repeat several times.
The Reality: Each JPG save removes more data. Quality degrades significantly.
Solution: Edit the original HEIC if possible. If you must convert, edit the JPG only once.
Mistake 2: Expecting Quality Improvement
The Error: "My HEIC looks okay, but maybe converting to PNG will make it higher quality."
The Reality: Conversion does not improve quality. PNG preserves the HEIC quality (no better, no worse).
Solution: If you need better quality, start with the original uncompressed HEIC, not a converted JPG.
Mistake 3: Not Checking File Sizes
The Error: Convert 500 HEIC files to PNG expecting them to be smaller.
The Reality: PNG files are 3-4 times larger than HEIC. You run out of storage.
Solution: Test with a few files first. Check file sizes before batch converting.
Mistake 4: Losing Live Photos Without Realizing It
The Error: Convert Live Photos to JPG without understanding they will become ordinary still images.
The Reality: The video sequence, audio, and interactive feature are gone forever.
Solution: If you need Live Photos, keep them as HEIC. Only convert if you don't need the video component.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Metadata Loss
The Error: Convert hundreds of photos without checking if EXIF data was preserved.
The Reality: Metadata is lost, GPS data disappears, original date information is gone.
Solution: If metadata is critical, use professional tools like Lightroom. Test with one image first.
Mistake 6: Converting Without Backup
The Error: Delete the original HEIC files immediately after converting to JPG.
The Reality: If something goes wrong, you lose the original.
Solution: Keep backups of original HEIC files. Only delete after verifying the converted JPG is acceptable.
14. Practical Scenarios: When Should You Convert?
Let's apply everything to realistic situations.
Scenario 1: Sharing Photos with Windows Friends
Situation: You took 50 HEIC photos on your iPhone. You want to email them to friends with Windows computers.
Decision: Convert to JPG
Why:
Windows doesn't support HEIC by default
JPG works on every Windows computer
File size is acceptable
No special features (like Live Photos) needed
How:
Use online converter or desktop software
Batch convert all 50 to JPG (quality 85-90%)
Email the JPG files
Keep original HEIC files as backup
Scenario 2: Professional Photography Archive
Situation: You are a professional photographer. You have 5,000 HEIC photos. You want to archive them long-term.
Decision: Keep HEIC for archive, create JPG copies for distribution
Why:
HEIC is smaller (saves storage cost)
HEIC preserves all metadata and edit history
JPG copies for distribution to clients
Dual strategy covers all bases
How:
Store original HEIC files in secure backup
Batch convert copies to JPG for client delivery
Catalog with original dates and metadata
Maintain both formats
Scenario 3: Website Upload
Situation: You want to upload HEIC photos to a website. The site only accepts JPG/PNG.
Decision: Convert to JPG
Why:
Website requirement
JPG is standard web format
File size acceptable
No advanced features needed
How:
Use online converter (simplest)
Convert to JPG
Upload to website
Scenario 4: Preserving Editable Originals
Situation: You took HEIC photos. You want to edit them later without losing quality.
Decision: Keep HEIC
Why:
HEIC stores edit history non-destructively
Future edits don't degrade quality
More efficient storage
Preserves all data
How:
Edit HEIC directly in Apple Photos or Photoshop
Export copies as JPG for sharing if needed
Keep HEIC originals for archival
15. Tools and Software: Your Options
You have many choices for converting HEIC files.
Types of Tools
Online Converters
No installation required
Browser-based
Upload and convert instantly
Free, usually
Desktop Software
Installed on your computer
Offline conversion
Batch processing
Better metadata handling
Operating System Features
Windows: Install codec extensions from Microsoft Store
Mac: Preview app (simple conversion)
iPhone: Use Share → Export menu
What to Look For
When choosing a converter:
Does it support batch processing?
Can it preserve EXIF metadata?
Does it have quality/compression settings?
Are there file size limits?
Does it add watermarks?
Is it free or paid?
16. Quality Settings: Finding the Right Balance
Most conversion tools let you control the compression quality.
Quality Levels and Results
Quality 95-100%: Near-perfect quality, large file size
Quality 85-90%: Recommended. Good quality, reasonable file size
Quality 70-85%: Acceptable quality, good file size reduction
Quality 50-70%: Visible quality loss, small files
Quality Below 50%: Poor quality, tiny files
Recommendation by Use Case
Professional/Archive: Quality 90-95%
General use: Quality 85-90%
Web/Social media: Quality 75-85%
Thumbnail/Preview: Quality 60-75%
17. Summary: Making Smart Conversion Decisions
Converting HEIC to JPG and PNG is sometimes necessary, but it always has costs.
Key Facts:
HEIC is 50% smaller than JPEG at the same quality. Conversion reverses this advantage.
Both HEIC and JPG are lossy. Converting between them causes double compression and quality loss.
Advanced features are lost: Live Photos, depth data, transparency, edit history all disappear.
Metadata is often lost: Conversion can strip EXIF data and timestamps.
File size increases. Your 2.5 MB HEIC becomes 3-5 MB as JPG.
Windows doesn't support HEIC by default. This is the main reason for conversion.
Android support is inconsistent. Older devices cannot display HEIC.
Batch conversion saves time but test quality first.
Quality 85-90% is the safe default for most uses.
Keep backups of original HEIC files if they contain valuable metadata or features.
The Bottom Line:
Convert HEIC only when necessary. If you only share with Apple users, keep HEIC. The format is more efficient, preserves quality better, and supports advanced features like Live Photos.
But when compatibility is essential—sharing with Windows users, uploading to websites, sending to Android devices—convert to JPG. Understand what you are losing, set quality to 85-90%, and accept that efficiency is the trade-off for compatibility.
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