HEIC to JPG on a Mac
Your Mac already opens HEIC; the trouble starts when you need to send the photo somewhere that doesn't. For one file, Preview's Export does it. For a folder, drop it on the tray above and download a ZIP. Both keep the photo on your Mac.
See what the quality setting does
Drag the line to compare the original with the JPEG at the quality you chose. The loupe shows a 3× crop under your pointer.
Three ways on a Mac
| Method | Good for |
|---|---|
| Preview → File → Export, choose JPEG | One or two files |
| Photos → File → Export → Export Photos, JPEG | Photos already in your library |
| This converter (Safari or Chrome) | Any number of files from anywhere, ZIP at the end; metadata is your choice, off by default |
Preview, step by step
- Open the HEIC in Preview.
- Choose File → Export.
- Set Format to JPEG, move the quality slider, click Save.
Preview can also convert several at once. Apple's Preview guide says to open the files in one window, select them in the sidebar, then export. It works; it is just more clicks than a ZIP.
Why the Mac opens HEIC but a colleague's PC doesn't
Apple says macOS High Sierra 10.13 or later can view HEIF and HEVC media. Windows doesn't include the decoder by default and sells it separately, so the same file that looks fine to you shows as a blank icon on their side. How they can fix it on Windows, or convert before you send.
Safari and the Photos picker
When you use this converter in Safari and pick photos from your Photos library, drop whatever Safari hands over and convert as usual. HEIC files are converted; JPEGs are skipped with a note.
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