How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac Featured Image

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac: 3 Quick Ways

Master HEIC to JPG conversions effortlessly.

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Last updated: September 17, 2024

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TL;DR

To convert HEIC to JPG on Mac:

  1. Open the Photos app and select the HEIC image.
  2. Go to File > Export > Export 1 Photo.
  3. Choose JPEG as the format and click Export.
  4. Select a destination and click Export again.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

Running into issues trying to open or share HEIC photos is common, but after searching for solutions, I discovered some built-in tools on Mac that make converting them to JPG super simple. Here’s what worked for me.

Remember, while JPG is more universally accepted, it doesn’t retain the image quality as well as HEIC, especially after multiple edits. So, choosing the right format is essential for your needs!

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac

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Below, I’ve shared the step by step instructions to convert HEIC to JPG using three different methods:

1. With Photos

Photos app provides a quick and straightforward way to convert HEIC files to JPG while managing and editing your images. Let’s see how you can use the Photos app to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac:

  1. Search for Photos in the Spotlight Search.
type photos in spotlight search
  1. Open the Photos app and select the HEIC photo you want to convert.
select the heic file in photos
  1. Click File in the menu bar, hover over Export, and choose Export 1 Photo.
select file hover over export and select export 1 photo
  1. Select JPEG as the Photo Kind and click Export.
select jpeg as photo kind and click export
  1. Select a destination and click Export.
select a destination and click export
  1. The photo will be exported in JPEG format.
heic file converted to jpeg

2. With Preview

Preview not only allows you to view files but also easily converts HEIC images to JPG on your Mac without additional software. Below are the detailed steps to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac using Preview:

  1. Open the HEIC file with Preview.
heic format image in preview
  1. Click File in the menu bar and select Export.
click file and select export
  1. Choose JPEG as the output format and select the quality.
  2. Pick a destination, rename the file if needed, and click Save.
select jpeg format and picture quality and click save

3. With Automator

Automator simplifies bulk HEIC to JPG conversions by creating a Quick Action, enabling effortless conversions with just a right-click. Here’s how:

  1. Launch Automator by going to Finder > Applications > Automator.
click applications and select automator
  1. Open Automator and create a new document by clicking the New Document button.
click new document in automator
  1. In the next window, choose Quick Action and click Choose.
select quick action and click choose
  1.  Next, set Workflow receives current to image files.
select image files from the dropdown menu next to workflow receives current
  1. In the Actions panel on the left, search for Change Type of Images and drag it to the workflow area.
select and drag change type of images to the workflow area
  1. In the workflow area, set the image type to JPEG.
set the image type to jpeg in the workflow area
  1. Click File in the menu bar and select Save to save the Quick Action.
click file and select save
  1. Give the Quick Action a relevant name and click Save.
give a relevant name to the quick action and click save
  1. Right-click a HEIC file, hover over Quick Actions, and select the action you just created (HEIC to JPEG in my case) to convert the image to JPG.
right click an heic file hover over quick actions and select heic to jpeg

How to Batch Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac

Batch converting allows you to convert many files at once, saving you time and clicks. Here’s how to batch convert HEIC to JPG on Mac:

  1. Open the folder with your HEIC files.
  2. Select all the files you want to convert by pressing Command ⌘ + A.
select all heic files
  1. Right-click the files and hover your mouse over Quick Actions in the context menu. Then, select Convert Image.
right click the heic files hover mouse over quick actions and select convert image
  1. A new window will appear. Select the file format (i.e. JPEG in this case), choose the image size, and click Convert to JPEG.
select an image format and size and click convert to jpeg

💡Did you know that HEIC files can store multiple images, like bursts or live photos, in a single file, while JPG is limited to just one? HEIC also offers higher quality with smaller file sizes, but it’s not universally supported yet, which is why converting to JPG is often necessary.

Convert and View Your Photos in JPG on Mac

Converting HEIC files to JPG on your Mac is simple using built-in tools like Photos, Preview, and Automator. Choose the method that suits your needs and enjoy hassle-free file conversions.

Here are some more tips for you:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are HEIC images?

HEIC images are a file format introduced by Apple, used primarily for photos on iOS devices. This format is known for its high-quality image compression, retaining more detail and color information than traditional formats like JPG. This format keeps file sizes smaller, saving valuable storage space on devices.

How can I convert HEIC to JPG without software on a Mac?

You can convert HEIC to JPG without software on a Mac. To do that, you can use the Preview app to open the HEIC file, select Export from the File menu, choose JPEG as the format, and Save. You can also use the Photos app and Automator to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac.

Can you bulk change HEIC to JPG on Mac?

Yes, you can bulk change HEIC to JPG on Mac using various methods. On a Mac, Automator allows you to create a workflow to convert multiple images simultaneously. You can also use Quick Actions to batch-convert HEIC images, making the process quick and efficient.

Why are my photos HEIC instead of JPG on Mac?

Your photos may be in HEIC instead of JPG on Mac because it’s the default setting in iOS and macOS. HEIC offers better compression and higher image quality compared to JPG. If you prefer JPG, you can change the settings on your iOS device under Camera settings by selecting Most Compatible for image capture.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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