If you have ever taken a photo on a recent iPhone and then tried to open it on a Windows PC or share it with someone who could not view it, you have encountered the HEIC format. Apple switched to HEIC as the default photo format in 2017. While it saves significant storage space, it comes with compatibility headaches.
What Is HEIC?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It stores images compressed with the HEIF standard, using H.265/HEVC compression — the same codec used for modern video streaming. Apple adopted it for iPhones and iPads starting with iOS 11. HEIC images are typically half the size of an equivalent JPG at the same visual quality.
What Is JPG?
JPG (or JPEG) has been the dominant photo format on the internet since the mid-1990s. It uses lossy compression that is supported by virtually every operating system, browser, image editor, and social media platform. JPGs are larger than HEICs at equivalent quality, but they open everywhere without special software.
HEIC vs JPG: Key Differences
- ›File size: HEIC is roughly 50% smaller than JPG at equivalent quality.
- ›Compatibility: JPG opens on everything. HEIC requires modern software or a codec.
- ›Quality: HEIC has better quality at the same file size, particularly for gradients and fine detail.
- ›Features: HEIC can store multiple images (like Live Photos), depth maps, and HDR data in one file. JPG cannot.
- ›Editing support: Most professional editing tools now support HEIC, but legacy software does not.
When Should You Convert HEIC to JPG?
Convert when you need to share a photo with someone on Windows who has not installed the HEIC codec, when uploading to a website or app that rejects HEIC, when sending to a printer service, or when editing in older software. Keep the HEIC original and convert a copy — you will want the smaller file for storage.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG Online
- 1Go to the HEIC to JPG converter on LunaFile.
- 2Upload your .heic file (up to 20 MB).
- 3Download the resulting JPG — same photo, universally compatible.