If you've ever moved photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC, an Android phone, or an older app, you've probably met HEIC. Apple uses it by default because it keeps photos small, but plenty of websites and programs still expect a plain JPG.

This guide shows how to convert HEIC to JPG in a few clicks — without uploading your photos to a stranger's server.

What is HEIC, and why doesn't it always work?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image format based on HEVC compression. iPhones use it because it produces smaller files with similar quality to JPG. The catch is compatibility: many browsers, photo editors, invoice portals and government forms still only accept JPG or PNG.

HEIC files also behave differently from JPG:

  • They often contain multiple images (bursts, depth data, live photo frames).
  • They use a container structure rather than a single compressed frame.
  • Older versions of Windows may not show a preview even though the file is fine.

Convert HEIC to JPG in 3 steps

  1. Open PixelConvert. It runs in your browser, so there's nothing to install.
  2. Drop your HEIC files onto the page (or click to choose them). Batch conversion is supported.
  3. Choose JPG as the output format, set the quality, and click Convert. Download each file or grab everything as a ZIP.
Keep the originals JPG is a lossy format. Once a photo is saved as JPG, some detail is gone permanently. Keep your HEIC originals in iCloud or a photo library if you may need maximum quality later.

Which quality setting should you use?

For most photos, 85–92 is the sweet spot. At 100, file sizes grow quickly for a difference you usually can't see. Below 70 you may start noticing blocking around edges, skin tones and gradients.

If the image is a screenshot, a logo, or has text, prefer PNG instead — it keeps sharp edges and doesn't add compression artifacts.

Does converting remove metadata?

Most browser-based converters, including PixelConvert, do not copy EXIF metadata into the output. That means date, camera model and GPS location are usually stripped. For privacy this is a benefit; if you need that data, keep the original file.

Why convert in the browser instead of an app?

  • No upload: the conversion happens on your device using JavaScript and WebAssembly.
  • No account: nothing to sign up for, no email required.
  • Cross-platform: works the same on Windows, macOS, Android and iPhone.
  • Works offline after the page has loaded, if you install the tool as an app.

Troubleshooting common HEIC problems

The file won't open anywhere

Check that the extension is genuinely .heic or .heif. Some downloads are renamed ZIP or HTML files. If the file is corrupt, no converter can fix it.

The converted image looks rotated

Some tools ignore the orientation tag. Re-save the JPG after rotating it in your photo viewer, or convert again with a tool that respects EXIF orientation.

The file is very large

Lower the quality setting or resize the image to a sensible maximum (for example 1920 px wide for web use). A 12 MP photo rarely needs to stay at full resolution for email or a form upload.

Convert your HEIC photos now

Free, private and runs entirely in your browser.

Open PixelConvert

Frequently asked questions

Is HEIC better than JPG?

For storage, yes — HEIC usually gives smaller files at similar quality. For compatibility, JPG still wins. Use HEIC as your archive format and JPG when something needs to open everywhere.

Can I convert many photos at once?

Yes. PixelConvert supports batch conversion (up to 60 files at a time) and can download the results as a ZIP.

Are my photos uploaded to a server?

No. The conversion runs locally in your browser. You can even disconnect from the internet after the page loads and it will keep working.