How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the image format Apple adopted for its devices with the release of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. While HEIC offers better image quality and smaller file sizes compared to JPG (also known as JPEG), it’s not as universally compatible. This means that sharing HEIC images with people using Windows, Android, or older macOS versions can sometimes be problematic. They might not be able to view the images directly without installing special codecs or using online converters.

If you’re a Mac user dealing with HEIC files and need to convert them to the more widely accepted JPG format, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods to seamlessly convert HEIC to JPG on your Mac, ensuring compatibility and ease of sharing.

## Why Convert HEIC to JPG?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly reiterate why you might want to convert HEIC to JPG:

* **Compatibility:** JPG is a universal image format supported by virtually all operating systems, web browsers, and image editing software. Converting to JPG ensures that your images can be viewed by anyone, regardless of their device or software.
* **Sharing:** Sharing HEIC images with users on different platforms can be a hassle. Converting to JPG eliminates the need for recipients to install special codecs or use online converters.
* **Older Software Support:** Some older image editing software and applications may not support the HEIC format. Converting to JPG allows you to use these programs without compatibility issues.
* **Web Uploads:** While many websites now support HEIC, JPG remains the standard for web images due to its widespread compatibility and ease of optimization.

## Methods for Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac

Here are several methods you can use to convert HEIC to JPG on your Mac, ranging from built-in tools to third-party applications:

### 1. Using Preview (Built-in)

Preview, the default image viewer on macOS, can also convert HEIC images to JPG. This is the simplest and quickest method for converting single images or a small batch of images.

**Steps:**

1. **Open the HEIC image in Preview:** Double-click the HEIC image file to open it in Preview. If Preview isn’t the default image viewer, right-click the file, select “Open With,” and choose “Preview.”

2. **Export as JPG:**
* Go to **File > Export…** in the menu bar.

* In the export window, choose **JPEG** from the “Format” dropdown menu.

* Adjust the **Quality** slider to control the image quality and file size. A higher quality setting will result in a larger file size.

* Choose a **location** to save the converted JPG file.

* Click **Save**.

3. **Batch Conversion (Using Preview):**

* Open all the HEIC files you want to convert in Preview. You can select multiple files in Finder and then right-click to open them all in Preview.

* In Preview, you’ll see thumbnails of all the opened images in the sidebar. Select all the thumbnails (Command + A).

* Go to **File > Export Selected Images…**

* In the export window:

* Choose a destination folder.

* Rename the files (optional). You can set a base name and Preview will automatically add numbers to the end.

* Select **Options** and then select **JPEG** from the “Format” dropdown menu.

* Adjust the **Quality** slider as needed.

* Click **Choose**.

**Pros:**

* Simple and straightforward.
* No need to install any additional software.
* Free and readily available on all Macs.

**Cons:**

* Limited batch conversion capabilities.
* Lacks advanced image editing options.
* Quality adjustments are limited to a simple slider.

### 2. Using Photos App (Built-in)

The Photos app on macOS can also convert HEIC to JPG during export. This method is suitable for images already imported into your Photos library.

**Steps:**

1. **Import HEIC images to Photos:** If the HEIC images are not already in your Photos library, drag and drop them into the Photos app window, or go to **File > Import** and select the images.

2. **Select the images:** Select the HEIC images you want to convert.

3. **Export as JPG:**
* Go to **File > Export > Export [Number] Photos…** in the menu bar.

* In the export window, set the “Kind” to **JPEG**.

* You can also adjust the “Quality” and “Size” settings. Higher quality and larger size settings will result in larger file sizes.

* Choose whether to include metadata (Title, Keywords, Location Info).

* Click **Export**.

* Choose a **location** to save the converted JPG files and click **Export** again.

**Pros:**

* Easy to use if your images are already in the Photos library.
* Offers some control over image quality and size.
* Preserves metadata options.

**Cons:**

* Requires importing images into the Photos app.
* Limited advanced options.

### 3. Using Automator (Built-in, Advanced)

Automator is a powerful automation tool that comes with macOS. You can create a custom workflow to batch convert HEIC files to JPG. This method is more advanced but offers greater flexibility.

**Steps:**

1. **Open Automator:** Launch Automator from the Applications folder or by searching in Spotlight (Command + Space). Select “Quick Action” for the type of document.

2. **Configure the Workflow:**

* In the workflow area, set “Workflow receives current” to **files or folders** in **Finder**.

* Search for the “Change Type of Images” action in the left-hand library and drag it to the workflow area.

* In the “Change Type of Images” action, set the “To Type” dropdown to **JPEG**.

* You can choose to have Automator rename the file. Search for and drag the action “Rename Finder Items” into the workflow.

* Configure the rename settings. You can “Add Date or Time”, “Make Sequential”, or simply “Change Case”.

3. **Save the Workflow:** Go to **File > Save** and give your workflow a descriptive name (e.g., “HEIC to JPG Converter”).

4. **Use the Workflow:**

* Select the HEIC files you want to convert in Finder.

* Right-click on the selected files.

* Choose **Quick Actions > [Your Workflow Name]** (e.g., “HEIC to JPG Converter”).

* Automator will then process the files and save the converted JPG files in the same location as the original HEIC files (unless specified in the action).

**Pros:**

* Powerful batch conversion capabilities.
* Customizable workflows for specific needs.
* Free and readily available on all Macs.

**Cons:**

* Requires some technical knowledge and comfort with Automator.
* Can be time-consuming to set up the workflow initially.

### 4. Using Terminal (Built-in, Very Advanced)

The Terminal application provides command-line access to your macOS system. You can use the `sips` (Scriptable Image Processing System) command to convert HEIC files to JPG. This method is the most advanced and requires familiarity with the command line.

**Steps:**

1. **Open Terminal:** Launch Terminal from the Applications/Utilities folder or by searching in Spotlight.

2. **Use the `sips` command:**
*To convert a single HEIC file, use the following command:*

bash
sips -s format jpeg input.heic –out output.jpg

*Replace `input.heic` with the path to your HEIC file and `output.jpg` with the desired name for the JPG file.*

*To batch convert multiple HEIC files in a directory, you can use a loop:*

bash
for i in *.heic; do sips -s format jpeg “$i” -o “${i%.heic}.jpg”; done

*This command will convert all HEIC files in the current directory to JPG files with the same name (but with the .jpg extension).*

**Pros:**

* Fast and efficient batch conversion.
* No need to install any additional software.
* Suitable for advanced users who prefer command-line operations.

**Cons:**

* Requires a good understanding of command-line syntax.
* Can be intimidating for beginners.
* No graphical user interface.

### 5. Using Third-Party Applications

Several third-party applications are available that specialize in image conversion, including HEIC to JPG. These applications often offer more advanced features and a user-friendly interface.

**Examples of Third-Party Applications:**

* **iMazing HEIC Converter:** A free and easy-to-use application specifically designed for converting HEIC files to JPG or PNG. It offers drag-and-drop functionality and batch conversion support.
* **CopyTrans HEIC for Windows:** While primarily designed for Windows, this tool also has a Mac version. It allows you to view HEIC files and convert them to JPG.
* **AnyTrans:** A comprehensive iOS data management tool that also includes a HEIC to JPG converter. It offers additional features such as data transfer and backup.
* **CloudConvert (Online):** While not a native application, CloudConvert is an excellent online converter that supports a wide range of file formats, including HEIC to JPG. Simply upload your HEIC files to the website, select JPG as the output format, and download the converted files. It is useful when you need to convert only a few files. Be careful when uploading personal photos to public websites.

**Pros:**

* User-friendly interface.
* Advanced features and options.
* Batch conversion support.
* Often includes additional image editing tools.

**Cons:**

* May require purchasing a license.
* Some applications may contain ads or bundled software.
* Online converters require an internet connection and may have file size limits.

### 6. Changing iPhone Camera Settings (Preventative Measure)

If you frequently need to convert HEIC files to JPG, you can change your iPhone’s camera settings to capture images in JPG format directly. This eliminates the need for conversion altogether.

**Steps:**

1. **Open Settings:** On your iPhone, go to the **Settings** app.

2. **Go to Camera:** Scroll down and tap on **Camera**.

3. **Tap on Formats:** Tap on **Formats**.

4. **Choose Most Compatible:** Select **Most Compatible**. This will capture images in JPG format instead of HEIC.

**Note:** Choosing “Most Compatible” will result in larger file sizes compared to using the HEIC format.

## Choosing the Right Method

The best method for converting HEIC to JPG on your Mac depends on your specific needs and technical expertise. Here’s a quick summary to help you choose:

* **For quick, single-image conversions:** Use Preview.
* **For converting images already in your Photos library:** Use the Photos app.
* **For advanced batch conversion with customization:** Use Automator.
* **For experienced users who prefer command-line operations:** Use Terminal.
* **For a user-friendly interface with advanced features:** Use a third-party application.
* **To avoid HEIC files altogether:** Change your iPhone’s camera settings to capture JPG images directly.

## Best Practices for HEIC to JPG Conversion

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when converting HEIC to JPG:

* **Consider Image Quality:** When converting, pay attention to the quality settings. Converting to JPG can result in some loss of image quality, especially if you choose a low-quality setting. Experiment with different quality settings to find the right balance between image quality and file size.
* **Preserve Metadata:** Metadata (such as date, time, location, and camera settings) can be valuable. Choose a conversion method that allows you to preserve metadata if desired.
* **Batch Conversion:** If you have many HEIC files to convert, use a batch conversion method to save time and effort. Preview (limited), Automator, Terminal, and third-party applications offer batch conversion capabilities.
* **Backup Your Original Files:** Before converting any files, it’s always a good idea to back up the original HEIC files. This ensures that you have a copy of the original images in case anything goes wrong during the conversion process.
* **Choose the Right Tool:** Select a conversion method that suits your technical skill level and specific needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you.

## Conclusion

Converting HEIC to JPG on a Mac is a relatively simple process, thanks to the variety of methods available. Whether you prefer using built-in tools like Preview and Automator, or opting for third-party applications, you can easily convert your HEIC images to the more widely compatible JPG format. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your images can be viewed and shared by anyone, regardless of their device or software. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and technical expertise, and always back up your original files before converting them.

By understanding the reasons for converting HEIC to JPG and exploring the various methods available, you can confidently manage your image files and ensure seamless compatibility across different platforms and devices. Whether you are sharing photos with friends and family, uploading images to the web, or working with older software, converting HEIC to JPG provides a practical solution for ensuring accessibility and ease of use.