What a HEIC file is and how to convert it to JPG
If a photo from your iPhone won't open in another program or website, it's almost certainly HEIC. The fix is simple.
What HEIC is
HEIC is the format recent iPhones and iPads use by default to save photos. It achieves quality similar to JPG with smaller files, which saves space on the device. The problem is that not every program, website and system accepts it.
When it causes problems
- When uploading a photo to a website or form that only accepts JPG or PNG.
- When opening it on a computer without the right add-on.
- When sending it to someone who doesn't use Apple products.
How to convert it to JPG
- Open the image compressor and converter.
- Choose your HEIC photos. You can select several at once.
- In “Convert to”, choose JPG.
- Download each photo, or all of them together in a ZIP file.
The conversion happens on your own device: the photos are never uploaded to any server.
Avoid the problem from your iPhone
If you'd rather your phone save photos in a more compatible format, go to Settings, Camera, Formats and choose “Most Compatible”. New photos will be saved as JPG, although they'll take more space.
Is quality lost?
JPG uses lossy compression, but at high quality the difference is usually impossible to see. To keep the most detail, leave the quality high when converting and also keep the original photo.
Reduce file size and change format, even from HEIC.
Compressor and converter