How to Change iPhone Photo Format: HEIC to JPEG and More

Your iPhone takes amazing photos, but sometimes the format they’re saved in – HEIC – isn’t ideal. HEIC offers better compression and quality compared to JPEG, but it might not be compatible with all devices or platforms. If you’ve ever had trouble sharing an iPhone photo or need to convert it for compatibility reasons, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through how to change your iPhone photo format using various methods, ensuring your pictures are accessible everywhere you need them to be.

Understanding HEIC vs. JPEG

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly understand the two formats:

• HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container): This is Apple’s modern image format. It offers smaller file sizes with better quality than JPEG, saving precious storage space on your device. However, older operating systems and some platforms might not support it.
• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): This is a widely compatible and older format. While it takes up more storage space than HEIC for comparable quality, it’s universally recognized and viewable on almost any device.

Method 1: Changing the Capture Format (Future Photos)

This method changes the format of photos as you take them. It doesn’t affect existing photos.

1. Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your home screen.
2. Navigate to Camera: Scroll down and tap on “Camera.”
3. Tap Formats: In the Camera settings, tap on “Formats.”
4. Choose Most Compatible: Under the “Camera Capture” section, select “Most Compatible.” This will save future photos as JPEGs.
5. Understanding the Setting: The “High Efficiency” option uses HEIC format. Choosing “Most Compatible” will result in larger file sizes but ensures better compatibility across devices and platforms.

Important Note: Changing this setting only affects future photos. Existing HEIC photos will remain in the HEIC format.

Method 2: Transferring as JPEG (When Sharing)

This method converts HEIC photos to JPEGs when you share them using the iOS share sheet, making them compatible without permanently altering the original.

1. Open the Photos App: Launch the Photos app and locate the HEIC photo(s) you wish to share.
2. Tap the Share Icon: Select the photos, and tap the share icon (the square with an upward arrow) located in the lower-left corner of the screen.
3. Select the Sharing Method: Choose your desired sharing method (e.g., Mail, Messages, AirDrop, etc.).
4. HEIC to JPEG Conversion: When sharing with compatible services, iOS usually converts the HEIC image to JPEG automatically.

Note: This method doesn’t change the original HEIC file stored on your iPhone. It creates a JPEG copy specifically for sharing.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party Converter App

For more advanced conversion options or batch conversions, several third-party apps are available on the App Store. These apps provide additional functionalities, including resizing, editing, and managing formats. Some popular options include:

• Image Converter: Search for this or a similar name on the App Store for various options.
• HEIC to JPG Converter: Specific apps focused solely on HEIC to JPEG conversion.

How to Use a Converter App:

1. Install an App: Download and install a converter app from the App Store.
2. Grant Permissions: Open the app and grant it access to your photo library.
3. Select Photos: Choose the HEIC photos you want to convert.
4. Choose Conversion Format: Select the output format (usually JPEG) and conversion settings.
5. Convert and Save: Tap the convert button and save the converted JPEGs to your desired location.

Method 4: Exporting Photos from Your iPhone to a Computer

If you need to convert multiple photos, you can export them to a computer. Some systems automatically convert HEIC to JPEG during import.

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Import photos using the Photos app on your computer (if applicable) or manually copy from your iPhone’s directory.
3. Windows: Windows 10 and later versions, when importing from Photos app or File Explorer, sometimes automatically convert from HEIC to JPEG. If not, use third party converter app for Windows or online converter.
4. macOS: The Photos app on Mac can convert from HEIC to JPEG. If you have set ‘Keep Originals’ under “Transfer to Mac or PC” in Settings > Photos, then you will be getting HEIC. If it’s selected “Automatic”, the importing photos will be converted to JPG automatically on Mac. Alternatively, you can convert the photos later in the Photos app on Mac. Simply select photos then from menu File -> Export -> Export Photo. Then when exporting, set the Photo Kind as JPEG.

Conclusion

Changing your iPhone photo format is straightforward and can be done in several ways, from altering future capture settings to converting during sharing or using specialized apps. Choose the method that best suits your needs and enjoy sharing your iPhone photography without worrying about format compatibility issues. Whether you’re aiming for maximum compatibility or trying to conserve storage, these tips should help you manage your photos efficiently.