How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac

Understanding HEIC and JPG Image Formats

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) and JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) are two popular image formats used for storing digital images. HEIC is a relatively new format that was introduced by Apple in 2017 with the release of iOS 11. It is designed to offer better compression and image quality than its predecessor, JPG.

JPG, on the other hand, is a widely used format that has been around for decades. It is compatible with most devices and software and is considered the standard for sharing and storing digital images.

While HEIC has several advantages over JPG, including smaller file sizes and better image quality, it is not yet widely supported by all devices and software. As a result, it may be necessary to convert HEIC files to JPG in order to share or view them on devices that do not support the HEIC format.

Using the Preview App to Convert HEIC to JPG

If you’re using a Mac, you can easily convert HEIC files to JPG using the built-in Preview app. Here’s how:

1. Open the HEIC file you want to convert in Preview.
2. Click on “File” in the menu bar and select “Export”.
3. In the “Export As” field, select “JPEG” as the file format.
4. Choose a location to save the converted file and click “Save”.

That’s it! Your HEIC file has now been converted to a JPG file and can be easily shared or viewed on any device that supports the JPG format. You can also convert multiple HEIC files to JPG using this method by selecting them all in the Finder and dragging them into the Preview app, then following the same steps above.

Converting Multiple HEIC Files to JPG using Automator

If you have multiple HEIC files that you need to convert to JPG, you can use the Automator app on your Mac to create a workflow that will automatically convert them all for you. Here’s how:

1. Open Automator on your Mac.
2. Click on “New Document” and select “Workflow”.
3. In the “Library” pane, search for “Change Type of Images” and drag it to the workflow area.
4. In the “Change Type of Images” action, select “JPEG” as the output format.
5. Click on “File” in the menu bar and select “Add…” to add the HEIC files you want to convert.
6. Click on “File” again and select “Save”.
7. Name the workflow and choose a location to save it.
8. To run the workflow, simply double-click on the saved workflow file and all the HEIC files will be converted to JPG automatically.

This method is useful if you have a large number of HEIC files that you need to convert, as it saves you the time and effort of manually converting each file one by one.

Using Third-Party Apps to Convert HEIC to JPG

While the Preview app and Automator can do a great job at converting HEIC files to JPG, there are also third-party apps that you can use for more advanced features and options. Here are some popular apps that you can try:

1. Image Converter: This app allows you to convert HEIC files to JPG and other formats, as well as resize, crop, and rename your images.

2. Graphic Converter: This app is a powerful image editor and converter that supports over 200 image formats, including HEIC and JPG.

3. Adobe Lightroom: This app is a professional photo editing software that also allows you to convert HEIC files to JPG and other formats.

4. iMazing HEIC Converter: This app is specifically designed for converting HEIC files to JPG and is free to download.

When choosing a third-party app, make sure to read reviews and compare features to find one that meets your specific needs.

Tips for Managing HEIC and JPG Image Files on Mac

As you work with HEIC and JPG image files on your Mac, here are some tips to help you manage them more effectively:

1. Consider using iCloud Photos: If you use iCloud Photos, your HEIC files will be automatically converted to JPG when you download them to your Mac, making them easier to manage and share.

2. Keep your files organized: Use a consistent naming convention and folder structure to keep your files organized and easy to find.

3. Use tags and metadata: Adding tags and metadata to your files can help you search for and sort your images based on specific criteria.

4. Delete unnecessary files: Regularly review your image library and delete any unnecessary files to free up storage space on your Mac.

5. Consider using a photo management app: There are several photo management apps available for Mac, such as Photos and Adobe Lightroom, that can help you organize and edit your images more efficiently.