What Is HEIC? How to Get iPhone Photos as JPG

If the photos you copy from your iPhone end in .heic and won't open in some programs, you're not alone. HEIC is the default photo format on Apple devices, and it isn't supported everywhere.

What is HEIC?

HEIC is Apple's version of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) container. It stores photos with HEVC compression and usually produces smaller files than JPG at similar quality. iPhones and iPads save photos in this format when "High Efficiency" is selected in the camera settings.

Why won't it open?

• Some Windows computers need an extra extension to open HEIC files.
• Many websites, application forms and older programs only accept JPG and PNG.
• Some browsers can't display HEIC images.

Saving JPG directly

If you want photos saved as JPG from the start, go to Settings → Camera → Formats on your iPhone and choose "Most Compatible". This affects new photos only; older ones stay HEIC. Files will be somewhat larger.

When transferring to a computer

If Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC is set to "Automatic", the iPhone can convert photos to a compatible format when you transfer them by cable. Files sent by email, cloud storage or messaging apps may still stay HEIC.

Converting existing HEIC photos

Convert your HEIC files to JPG or PNG in bulk with the HEIC to JPG tool. Conversion happens in your browser, so your personal photos are never uploaded to a server. The original resolution is kept, and the quality setting controls the file size.

Which format to choose?

• For sharing and forms: JPG.
• For work that needs transparency: PNG (usually not needed for photos).
• For keeping on Apple devices only: leaving HEIC as is saves space.