Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone: This is how it works
The iPhone now automatically saves photos in the HEIC file format. We'll tell you how you can convert the files from HEIC to JPG for better editing.
Since iOS 11, photos taken on the iPhone are no longer saved in the conventional JPG file format, but in the more modern HEIC (High Efficiency Image Codec) format. This is more efficient and, thanks to good compression, can save the same amount of image information as JPG in smaller files.
A disadvantage of HEIC, however, is that this format is not yet that widespread and some devices or programs still have compatibility problems with photos that are saved in the file format. In many cases a conversion to JPG is therefore necessary.
What is HEIC?
The abbreviation HEIC stands for "High Efficiency Image Codec" and describes a file format for efficient storage of high-resolution images. The term HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is often used synonymously. It was developed by the MPEG (Moving Pictures Expert Group) for use throughout the industry. Numerous devices and common operating systems such as iOS, macOS, Windows and Android as well as many applications now support the format.
Automatically convert HEIC images to JPG
In iOS, Apple offers a setting that automatically converts pictures to the JPG file format when they are transferred from the iPhone to a PC or Mac.
- Open the "Settings" in iOS and navigate to the "Photos" menu item.
- Scroll down to the "Transfer to Mac or PC" heading and select the "Automatic" item.
In the settings you can specify that images are always exported in JPG format. Image: © Apple / Screenshot: 2021
Always save iPhone photos as JPG
Alternatively, there is still the option to save the pictures on the iPhone as JPG by default. However, the files will then be somewhat larger in comparison to HEIC files.
- Open the "Settings" and go to the sub-item "Camera".
- Then select "Formats" and switch the camera recording to the "Maximum compatibility" mode.
Under "Formats" you can specify that images should be saved as JPG again. Image: © Apple / Screenshot: 2021
Remember that the change will also have an impact on your video recordings. In the "Maximum Compatibility" mode, they are no longer saved in the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Codec) format, but in the more common H264. However, this also increases the file size.
summary
- IPhone photos have been saved as HEIC files by default since iOS 11.
- However, the HEIC files can be automatically converted to JPG files when transferring to PC or Mac.
- In addition, you can set in iOS that photos should still be saved as JPG files on the iPhone.