Image Format In Apple, How To Convert HEIC to JPG?

What is the most efficient way to convert HEIC to JPG? With iOS 11 in 2017, Apple introduced a new higher quality format than JPEG, the HEIC format. This improvement still has a drawback, and that is that the format is not yet compatible with all devices, as is the format of the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). This committee created the standard for compression and encoding of files and still images. More widespread (JPG).

The HEIC format characteristics make this format stand out on mobile devices over many others. Still, Apple is aware of the universality of the JPG format, so it offers alternatives to convert HEIC to JPG. This article tells you the most efficient way to do it.

HEIC format, is it better than JPG?

The HEIC format, also known as HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File Format) for photos, or HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) for video, is a format designed by Apple to replace JPG for several reasons.

The main reason why HEIC is a more efficient format than JPG is that it allows you to store photos with higher compression than JPG, always maintaining their high quality and in a smaller size. This will enable you to keep more images at a smaller size and always respect their quality, so it consumes less space on your device.

In addition, it is a format that supports transparency in images and recording several images in the same photograph, thanks to the Live Photo function, which we also talked about in our article on Night Mode on iPhone.

Another great advantage of the HEIC format is that it records the edits that have been made to the file from the iPhone or iPad, such as cropping, rotating, or applying filters. In this way, the user can undo the changes in the future if they are not satisfied. Now, since it is a file format not supported on all devices, you may need to convert HEIC files to JPG.

Also Read: The New ‘iPad Pro’ Multiplies Its Image Resolution, Speed And Efficiency

Convert HEIC to JPG without using apps

As we have mentioned, Apple is aware of the universality of the JPG format, which is why it allows you to configure your iPhone or iPad so that it always saves photos in JPG. To activate this configuration, follow these three simple steps:

• Go to “Settings” on your device.
• Tap “Camera.”
• Press “Formats”> “Most compatible”.

You will see the following message: “The Most Compatible option always uses JPEG/H.264 formats, but 4K@60fps and 1080p@240fps require high efficiency.” When activated, you will not be able to record 4K or slow-motion videos (1080p at 240 fps) since the “High efficiency” option has been removed.

Another option allows you to have the best of both worlds because you can save space on your device with HEIC but automatically convert the images to JPG when you transfer them to your computer.

To convert HEIC to JPG when transferring your photos to your computer, you must enable this setting:

• Go to “Settings.”
• Select “Photos.”
• Select ” Automatic ” in the “Transfer to Mac or PC” section and select “Automatic.”

How to convert HEIC files to JPG on a Mac computer

If you have an Apple brand computer, you will know the “Preview” application, available in all versions of Mac. This application is the one that will allow you to convert your HEIC files to JPG, in addition to other formats such as PEG 2000, PDF, PNG, PSD, and TIFF, among others.

To convert HEIC to JPG with the Preview app:

• Open the file, then select “File”> “Export.”
• Click the “Format” drop-down menu, then select a file type. Depending on the file format you choose, additional options may appear. If you choose JPEG or JPEG 2000, you can even adjust the image quality.
• Type a new name or choose a new location to save the converted file, then click “Save.”

Convert HEIC files to JPG with Windows

If you don’t have an Apple brand computer, don’t worry, you can still straightforwardly convert your files. Microsoft has created a HEIC codec for Windows 10 that you can install on your computer if you have this system or a more current version. This codec allows you to open and view files in HEIC format on your computer.

You have to enter the Windows Store application, search for “HEIF Image Extensions,” and install the extension. Once installed, you will be able to view the HEIC files in the “Photos” app. However, this extension will only allow you to preview your HEIC files; it does not convert them to JPG for other use.

Suppose your purpose is still not only to view the files. In that case, you can transfer them to your computer directly from the “DCIM” folder of your iPhone or iPad, automatically converting them to JPG if you have the “Automatic” option activated in “Transfer to Mac or PC” mentioned above. This is the fastest option, although keep in mind that when you transfer your “Live Photos,” they will be exported in MOV file format, that is as if they were videos.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to convert HEIC to JPG easily to take full advantage of the features of your Apple device. If you are interested in improving your photos and editing them easily and quickly, we recommend this article on online photo editing tools.

Also Read: PNG, JPG, GIF or WEBP What Image Formats Are There And Which Is Better For The Web?