What is a HEIC file?
HEIC is the photo format iPhones have used by default since iOS 11 in 2017. It keeps the same quality as JPG at roughly half the file size, which is why Apple chose it. The catch is that many apps, websites and older computers cannot open it.
The fast way: convert it to JPG
- Open the HEIC to JPG converter.
- Add one photo or a whole batch.
- Download the JPG files. Your photos are converted in the browser and never uploaded.
Stop your iPhone from making HEIC photos
On the iPhone go to Settings, Camera, Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos are then saved as JPG. Photos you already took stay as HEIC, so convert those once.
Opening HEIC on Windows
Windows 10 and 11 can show HEIC if you install the HEIF and HEVC video extensions from the Microsoft Store, but some are paid and the files still will not upload to many sites. Converting to JPG is simpler and works everywhere.
JPG, PNG or PDF?
Use JPG for photos you share or upload. Use PNG if you need sharp edges or transparency, and PDF if a form asks for a document.
Sending photos to someone else
Even when your own computer can open HEIC, the person you send it to may not be able to. Photo printing sites, job portals, online shops and many email clients reject it. Converting to JPG before you send avoids the problem and costs you a few seconds.
Tips for keeping quality
- Convert from the original photo, not from a screenshot of it.
- Keep the HEIC originals as your archive, because they are smaller.
- Do not convert a JPG back to HEIC, as it gains nothing.
- If a site still complains about the size, compress the JPG afterwards.