Simple Ways to Convert HEIC Files to JPG on Windows and Mac
If you’re like me, spending ages trying to get HEIC images into a more common format like JPG, you’ve probably wondered why there isn’t a straightforward option built into Windows or macOS. Honestly, it seems like a no-brainer not to have this feature included by default. Until that happens, here are some methods I’ve used — both online and offline — with varying success. Hopefully, this will save you a bit of fuss, because I’ve definitely got stuck on this more than once.
Starting the Conversion
If you just need a quick fix, I recommend using a trusted online converter—no need to hunt for extra software or mess around with system settings. Open Chrome, Firefox, or your favourite browser, and head to sites like CloudConvert, HEICtoJPG, or another reputable converter. Just be mindful—some of these sites can be a bit flaky with larger files or multiple uploads. Usually, there’s a big “Upload” button (sometimes labelled “Browse” or represented by a plus icon). Select your HEIC files (many sites support batch uploads) and let the site do its thing. Once you hit upload, the conversion should start automatically; it might take a minute or two for larger files.
I’ve noticed some sites work faster than others, but don’t expect miracles with really high-res or complex images. When the conversion’s done, you’ll see a “Download” button—click it, choose where to save your JPGs, and you’re set. Keep in mind, uploading private or sensitive images online does carry risks—even if the site claims to delete your files afterwards, you can’t be 100% sure. For confidential stuff, offline methods are safer.
Speed, File Size & Common Glitches
This can be a bit hit or miss. On my older ASUS laptop, smaller HEIC files converted pretty quickly — less than a minute. But larger, high-resolution images or batch processing can sometimes freeze or stall. You might notice the page glitching or needing a refresh. Sometimes I had to restart my browser or switch to a different website if one was sluggish. So don’t get discouraged if it’s not instant; a bit of patience helps.
Once the conversion is complete, the download is usually straightforward—just click the button and save your JPG somewhere safe. If you’re working with lots of images, though, a dedicated batch converter or offline tool will speed things up. Online converters are fine for a few images, but not ideal for mass conversions.
Protecting Sensitive Content
Heads up—be careful with private photos. Online converters are convenient, but they come with risks: potential data leaks, your images being stored or shared without your consent, or even malware. If confidentiality matters, sticking to offline tools or built-in software is the smarter move. On Windows, you can use the Photos app or install the HEIC codec from the Microsoft Store (“HEIC Image Extensions”). On macOS, just open your HEIC in Preview, then go to File > Export and select JPEG. For larger batches, professional software like Adobe Lightroom or Affinity Photo can handle multiple files without exposing your data online. That said, for casual conversions, opening a HEIC in Preview and exporting it usually does the trick quite well.
Offline Options & Command Line Tips
If you’re comfortable with the command line on Windows, PowerShell can do the job. Alternatively, on macOS, installing imagemagick via brew install imagemagick makes batch processing straightforward. An example command I use is:
magick convert input.heic output.jpgNote: support for HEIC in ImageMagick depends on your version; older builds might not handle HEIC files out of the box. Make sure to check the latest documentation and update if necessary. Sometimes you’ll need to specify additional flags or ensure your build supports HEIC properly. I had to fiddle with this a bit before it worked smoothly.
Final Tips & Double Checking
- Always verify that your converted JPGs look correct before deleting the original HEIC files, especially if you’re processing multiple images or automating the task.
- Be mindful of filename conflicts or accidental overwriting—set up error handling if scripting.
- For larger projects, consider dedicated batch conversion software or automating with scripts to save time in the long run.
I hope this helps! It took me ages to find a reliable method, especially on Windows, but now that I’ve got it down, it’s a relief. Good luck, and may this save someone else a weekend of frustration!