While it's imperative that we heap praise on Apple for originating the HEIC image format as part of their iOS update package in 2017, it’s also safe to assume that it’ll take a while before the file format is widely compatible with devices outside of Apple's ecosystem.
On some systems, pictures stored in the HEIC format are automatically converted to the older JPEG format when sent outside the system. But when this doesn’t occur, users have encountered a plethora of compatibility problems.
What is a HEIC Image?
HEIC, or High-Efficiency Image Container, is the filename extension for High-Efficiency Image File Format (HFIF) images encoded with High Efficiency Video Coding.
While the advantages of HEIC over JPEG are undeniable, the latter still has the edge when it comes to mainstream compatibility. Therefore, it is essential, especially for iPhone users, to learn how to turn HEIC into JPG.
Convert HEIC images to JPG using macOS 10 or 11
For users who still find themselves in possession of slightly older versions of the macOS, the process of HEIC to JPEG conversion is not at all complicated. The native apps Preview, Photos, or Automator allow users to interact with HEIC files, and any of them can be used to convert HEIC to JPEG.
1. Open the Finder app, and navigate to where the HEIC files are located.
2. Use the “command” key to select the files you want convert, and then right-click.
Method 1: Using Preview on Mac to batch convert HEIC files to JPG
3. Click on “Open With” in the list, and select “Preview (Default).”
4. Click on “Edit”, and select “Select All.”
5. Go to the “File” tab, and select “Export Selected Images.”
6. Choose where you want the converted images to be saved.
7. Click on “Options”, and select JPEG as the preferred conversion format.
8. Use the slide to determine the quality of the images, and then click “Choose” to complete the process