What is a HEIC file?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image format used by Apple on iPhones and iPads. It stores your photos in high quality but with a smaller file size compared to traditional JPG images.

Why do iPhones use HEIC?

Since iOS 11, iPhones save new photos as HEIC by default. The main reason is efficiency: HEIC uses newer compression that lets you store more photos in the same storage space, without a visible loss in quality.

  • Smaller file size than JPG for similar quality
  • Supports transparency and multiple images in one file
  • Designed for modern phones and cameras

Pros and cons of HEIC

Advantages

  • High image quality with smaller file sizes
  • Good for saving storage on mobile devices
  • Modern format with support for extra metadata

Disadvantages

  • Not every website or app accepts HEIC uploads (many only accept JPG or PNG)
  • Older Windows and Android devices may not open HEIC without installing extra codecs
  • Some photo editors and printing services still expect JPG files

When should you convert HEIC to JPG or PNG?

Converting a HEIC image to JPG or PNG is useful when:

  • You need to upload photos to a website that doesn’t accept HEIC
  • You want to share images with people using older devices
  • You plan to use the photo in design tools, documents, or presentations that only accept JPG/PNG

How to convert HEIC to JPG or PNG

The easiest way is to use an online HEIC converter that runs in your browser. With our free HEIC to JPG / PNG converter, all conversion happens on your device – your images are not uploaded to a remote server.

  1. Open the converter page.
  2. Drag & drop your HEIC photos into the upload area.
  3. Choose JPG or PNG as the output format.
  4. Click "Convert" and then download your images.

Convert HEIC to JPG or PNG now

Ready to convert your HEIC photos? Use our free HEIC converter to turn them into standard JPG or PNG files in your browser.