How to Convert HEIC to JPG: Complete Guide 2026

HEIC is Apple's new photo format. Here's how to convert it.

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) is Apple's default since iOS 11. It's smaller than JPEG but not supported everywhere. Here's how to convert.

What is HEIC?

HEIC = Smaller files, same quality, limited support

Method 1: Online Converter (Easiest)

Imagic AI

Best for: Quick conversion

Try HEIC to JPG Converter

Features:

• Free, unlimited
• Batch support
• No signup
• Fast

Method 2: Python

from PIL import Image
import pillow_heif

# Register HEIC opener
pillow_heif.register_heif_opener()

def convert_heic_to_jpg(input_path, output_path, quality=95):
    img = Image.open(input_path)

    # Convert to RGB if needed
    if img.mode not in ('RGB', 'L'):
        img = img.convert('RGB')

    img.save(output_path, 'JPEG', quality=quality)

convert_heic_to_jpg('photo.HEIC', 'photo.jpg')

Install:

pip install pillow-heif

Method 3: macOS

Preview App

1. Open HEIC file in Preview
2. File → Export As
3. Choose Format: JPEG
4. Save

Automator (Batch)

1. Open Automator
2. New → Quick Action
3. Get Selected Images
4. Change Type of Images → JPEG
5. Save

Method 4: Windows

Photos App

1. Open in Photos app
2. Edit → Save a Copy
3. Choose JPEG format

File Explorer

1. Select HEIC files
2. Convert Image (right-click)
3. Choose JPEG

Method 5: Command Line

# Using ImageMagick (install first)
convert input.HEIC output.jpg

# Using libheif
heif-convert input.HEIC output.jpg

# Using pillow-heif CLI
pillow-heif-convert input.HEIC output.jpg

Batch Conversion

Python Script

from PIL import Image
import pillow_heif
import os
from pathlib import Path

# Register HEIC opener
pillow_heif.register_heif_opener()

def batch_heic_to_jpg(input_dir, output_dir, quality=95):
    input_dir = Path(input_dir)
    output_dir = Path(output_dir)
    output_dir.mkdir(exist_ok=True)

    heic_files = list(input_dir.glob('*.HEIC')) + list(input_dir.glob('*.heic'))

    for f in heic_files:
        try:
            img = Image.open(f)

            if img.mode not in ('RGB', 'L'):
                img = img.convert('RGB')

            output_path = output_dir / f.with_suffix('.jpg').name
            img.save(output_path, 'JPEG', quality=quality)

            print(f"Converted: {f.name}")

        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Error with {f.name}: {e}")

batch_heic_to_jpg('./heic_files', './jpg_files')

Quality Settings

HEIC vs JPEG Quality

HEIC at quality 85 ≈ JPEG at quality 90

# HEIC 85% ≈ JPEG 90%
convert_heic_to_jpg('photo.HEIC', 'photo.jpg', quality=90)

Recommended Quality

Common Issues

Issue: "Cannot Identify HEIC File"

Solution: Install pillow-heif

pip install pillow-heif

Issue: Wrong Colors

Solution: Convert from HEIC directly without intermediate

img = Image.open('photo.HEIC')
img.save('photo.jpg')

Issue: Transparency Lost

Solution: JPEG doesn't support transparency. Use PNG if transparency needed.

img = Image.open('photo.HEIC')
img.save('photo.png')  # Or WebP

iPhone Settings: Disable HEIC

If you prefer JPEG:

1. Settings → Camera → Formats
2. Choose "Most Compatible"

This saves photos as JPEG instead of HEIC.

Quick Reference

HEIC → JPEG: Best method
Imagic AI: Online, free
Python: pillow-heif library
macOS: Preview app
Windows: Photos app

FAQ

Q: Does HEIC quality equal JPEG?

A: Yes, at similar settings HEIC = JPEG quality but 50% smaller.

Q: Can Windows open HEIC?

A: Windows 10 2019+ and Windows 11 can open HEIC with HEIF Image Extensions.

Q: How to batch convert HEIC?

A: Use Imagic AI or Python pillow-heif.

Q: Should I keep HEIC or convert to JPEG?

A: Convert to JPEG for compatibility. HEIC is better but not supported everywhere.

Q: Does HEIC support transparency?

A: Yes. Convert to PNG or WebP if you need transparency.

My Recommendation

For quick conversion: Try Imagic AI

For batch: Python with pillow-heif

For macOS: Preview app

For Windows: Photos app or install HEIF extensions

Converting HEIC for 5+ years.