How to Convert HEIC Files to JPG or PNG
If you have an iPhone or iPad, you may have noticed that your photos are saved as HEIC files. HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container, and it’s a format that compresses images without losing quality. However, not all devices and programs can open HEIC files, so you may need to convert them to more common formats like JPG or PNG. In this article, we’ll show you how to do that easily and quickly.
What are HEIC files?
HEIC files are a type of image file that use the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) standard. HEIF was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), the same organization that created the MP3 and MP4 formats. HEIF uses High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) to compress and store images on device drives, taking up half the space of other image file formats like JPEGs. Each HEIC file can also contain multiple images, such as live photos or burst mode shots, as well as metadata such as size, resolution, location, and more.
Apple adopted the HEIC format in 2017 as part of the iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra updates. The main reason for this was to save storage space and improve image quality on their devices. However, other manufacturers and platforms have been slower to embrace the HEIF standard, so you may encounter compatibility issues when trying to share or edit your HEIC photos on Windows, Android, or online services.
How to convert HEIC files to JPG or PNG?
There are several ways to convert your HEIC files to more widely supported formats like JPG or PNG. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Use an online converter. There are many websites that offer free online conversion tools for HEIC files. For example, you can use heictojpg.com or aconvert.com. All you need to do is upload your HEIC file, choose the output format (JPG or PNG), and download the converted file. However, be aware that some online converters may have file size limits, quality loss, or privacy risks.
- Use a desktop software. If you prefer to convert your HEIC files offline, you can use a desktop software that supports HEIF format. For example, you can use Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or XnConvert. These programs allow you to open, edit, and save your HEIC files as JPG or PNG. However, some of them may require additional plugins or codecs to work with HEIF format.
- Use a mobile app. If you want to convert your HEIC files on your smartphone or tablet, you can use a mobile app that can handle HEIF format. For example, you can use HEIC to JPG Converter for iOS or HEIC Converter for Android. These apps allow you to select your HEIC files from your device gallery, choose the output format (JPG or PNG), and save the converted files to your device storage or cloud service. However, some of them may have ads, in-app purchases, or quality loss.
Conclusion
HEIC files are a great way to save storage space and preserve image quality on your iPhone or iPad. However, they may not be compatible with other devices and programs that don’t support the HEIF standard. In that case, you can use one of the methods above to convert your HEIC files to more common formats like JPG or PNG.