How to Convert HEIC to JPEG or PNG: The Ultimate Guide

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Jason

Heic To Jpeg Or Png

Apple’s introduction of the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIC) in iOS 11 was a game-changer for iPhone photography. By adopting this new compressed image format, Apple aimed to reduce photo file sizes while maintaining high quality. However, the lack of universal compatibility has created headaches for many users trying to view, edit, or share HEIC photos.

If you’re struggling with HEIC files, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about converting HEIC to more widely-supported formats like JPEG and PNG.

What is HEIC and Why Convert?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple’s proprietary image format introduced in 2017. It offers impressive compression, allowing photos to take up about half the storage space of equivalent JPEG files without sacrificing quality.

While HEIC has clear benefits, its limited compatibility poses challenges:

  • Many apps and websites don’t support HEIC, potentially causing issues when uploading or editing photos
  • Non-Apple devices may not be able to view HEIC files
  • Professional software like Adobe Photoshop has only recently added HEIC support

For these reasons, converting HEIC to JPEG or PNG remains essential for many photographers and iPhone users to ensure smooth workflows and universal compatibility.

Understanding Image Formats: HEIC vs JPEG vs PNG

Before diving into conversion methods, it’s helpful to understand the key differences between these popular image formats:

FormatCompressionQualityCompatibilityTransparency
HEICHighExcellentLimitedYes
JPEGMediumGoodUniversalNo
PNGNoneExcellentVery GoodYes

HEIC offers the best balance of small file size and high quality but suffers from compatibility issues. JPEG is universally supported but may show quality loss at higher compression levels. PNG maintains perfect quality and supports transparency, but results in larger file sizes.

Built-in Conversion on iPhone and iPad

The easiest way to convert HEIC files is directly on your iOS device using the built-in Photos app:

  1. Open the Photos app and select the HEIC image(s) you want to convert
  2. Tap the Share icon (square with arrow)
  3. Scroll down and select “Copy Photo” or “Save to Files
  4. If saving to Files, choose JPEG or PNG as the format
  5. Select your desired save location

Pros:

  • Quick and easy for one-off conversions
  • No need for third-party apps or software

Cons:

  • Time-consuming for batch conversions
  • Limited options for quality settings

If you’re looking to transfer HEIC photos from your iPhone to an Android device, you may need to convert them first. Check out our guide on how to transfer HEIC photos from iPhone to Android for step-by-step instructions.

Online HEIC Converters

For occasional conversions without installing software, online converters offer a convenient solution:

Popular options include:

How they work:

  1. Visit the converter website
  2. Upload your HEIC file(s)
  3. Select output format (JPEG/PNG)
  4. Adjust any available settings
  5. Download the converted images

Advantages:

  • No software installation required
  • Accessible from any device with a web browser

Disadvantages:

  • File size limits on free plans
  • Potential privacy concerns when uploading photos
  • Less control over conversion settings

Desktop HEIC Converter Software

For professionals and users dealing with large numbers of HEIC files, dedicated converter software provides the most robust solution.

Aiseesoft HEIC Converter stands out as a top choice for both Windows and Mac users:

Key Features:

  • Batch conversion of hundreds of photos
  • Retain EXIF metadata (date, location, camera settings)
  • Adjustable quality settings (0-100%)
  • Fast conversion speeds using hardware acceleration
  • Preview images before and after conversion

Step-by-step conversion process:

choose heic
  1. Download and install Aiseesoft HEIC Converter
  2. Click “Add HEIC” to select files for conversion
  3. Choose output format (JPEG or PNG)
  4. Adjust quality settings if desired
  5. Select output folder
  6. Click “Convert” to start the process

The intuitive interface and powerful features make Aiseesoft HEIC Converter an excellent choice for photographers and anyone regularly working with HEIC files.

After conversion, you may need a reliable photo viewer to manage and view your images. For Windows users, we recommend checking out our list of the best photo viewers for Windows 10.

Viewing HEIC Photos Without Conversion

If you simply need to view HEIC photos without converting them, there are solutions available. Many modern operating systems and photo viewing applications now support HEIC natively.

For more information on how to view HEIC photos on various devices and platforms, visit our guide on how to view HEIC photos.

Troubleshooting Common Conversion Issues

Even with the right tools, you may encounter some challenges when converting HEIC files:

  1. Corrupted output images
    • Ensure you’re using up-to-date converter software
    • Try adjusting quality settings (higher quality may resolve corruption)
  2. Lost metadata
    • Use software with EXIF preservation (like Aiseesoft HEIC Converter)
    • Double-check that metadata retention is enabled in settings
  3. Unexpectedly large file sizes
    • Experiment with different quality settings to find the right balance
    • Consider using JPEG for photos without transparency instead of PNG
  4. Slow conversion speeds
    • Use software that leverages GPU acceleration
    • Convert smaller batches if your system is struggling
  5. Converter crashes
    • Close unnecessary background programs
    • Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements

Changing Default Camera Format on iPhone

To avoid dealing with HEIC files altogether, you can change your iPhone’s camera settings to capture in JPEG:

heic formats on ios
  1. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats
  2. Select “Most Compatible” instead of “High Efficiency”

This will set your camera to save photos in JPEG format by default. Keep in mind that you’ll lose out on the space-saving benefits of HEIC, but gain universal compatibility.

Transferring and Managing HEIC Photos

If you’re a Mac user and want to transfer your HEIC photos to an external hard drive, we’ve got you covered. Check out our tutorial on how to transfer photos from iPhone to external hard drive on Mac for a detailed walkthrough.

Sometimes, you might encounter issues where your iPhone photos are not showing up on your Mac. If you’re facing this problem, our troubleshooting guide on iPhone photos not showing up on Mac can help you resolve the issue and ensure smooth photo transfers.

Best Practices for HEIC Conversion

To make the most of your HEIC conversions:

  1. Choose the right format for your needs:
    • JPEG: For most photos, especially when small file size is important
    • PNG: When you need transparency or perfect quality preservation
  2. Optimize quality and file size:
    • Start with 80-90% quality for JPEG and adjust as needed
    • Use PNG only when necessary due to larger file sizes
  3. Streamline your workflow:
    • Set up batch conversion for large photo sets
    • Consider changing your default camera format if compatibility is a frequent issue
    • Keep the original HEIC files as a high-quality backup when storage permits

Conclusion

While HEIC offers impressive space-saving benefits, the need to convert to more compatible formats like JPEG and PNG remains a reality for many users. By understanding the pros and cons of each format and utilizing the right conversion tools, you can easily manage HEIC files while taking advantage of their benefits.

As HEIC support gradually improves across devices and software, conversion may become less necessary in the future. For now, mastering the conversion process ensures you can enjoy the best of both worlds – efficient storage on your device and universal compatibility when sharing and editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Will converting HEIC to JPEG/PNG reduce image quality? There can be a slight quality loss, especially with higher JPEG compression. However, using high-quality settings in your converter can minimize this difference to be virtually imperceptible in most cases.
  2. Can I batch convert HEIC files? Yes, desktop software like Aiseesoft HEIC Converter allows for batch conversion of multiple files at once, saving time for large photo collections.
  3. Do I lose photo metadata when converting from HEIC? It depends on the conversion method. Built-in iOS conversion and quality desktop software typically preserve metadata. Always check that EXIF retention is enabled in your converter settings.
  4. Is it better to shoot in JPEG instead of converting HEIC later? If compatibility is a constant issue for you, switching to JPEG capture can be more convenient. However, you’ll lose the space-saving benefits of HEIC. Consider your priorities between storage efficiency and compatibility.
  5. Are online HEIC converters safe to use? Reputable online converters are generally safe, but there’s always a small privacy risk when uploading photos to a third-party service. For sensitive images, it’s better to use offline desktop software.
Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

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