How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows/Mac?
Category: Edit PDF
1 min read
With the increasing use of iPhones and other Apple devices, the HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Coding) format has become more prevalent, especially for photos taken with Apple devices. Sometimes you may need to convert HEIC to JPG, as JPG is a more widely recognized format across different platforms, including Windows, Mac, and even online services.
If you're struggling with how to convert HEIC to JPG, you’re not alone. In this article, we'll discuss what HEIC is, and explore 3 effective methods for converting HEIC to JPG on Mac and Windows systems. Whether you're a casual user or a professional, these tips and tools will help you streamline the conversion process.

In this article:
Part 1: What is HEIC?
Before diving into the conversion methods, it's important to understand what HEIC is and why it’s used.
HEIC is a relatively new image format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group. It is a modern image format that was introduced by Apple in iOS 11 as a more efficient alternative to the JPG (JPEG) format. HEIC allows photos to take up less storage space while maintaining the same level of quality, making it particularly beneficial for mobile devices.
Apple’s decision to use HEIC for storing photos has helped optimize storage on devices like iPhones and iPads. However, not all software and operating systems support HEIC, making it necessary for many users to convert HEIC to JPG, a widely accepted image format that works across virtually all devices and platforms.
Part 2: How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows
Windows doesn’t always handle HEIC files natively, especially on older versions, but there are several ways to turn them into the more widely supported JPG format. Here are the most common methods:
01 Convert with PDFacaemy (Best for Batch Conversion)
Struggling to open HEIC photos on devices that don’t support the format? PDFacademy is an all-in-one PDF management tool that goes beyond just PDFs — it also lets you convert HEIC images into PDF files quickly and hassle-free.
Turning HEIC files into PDFs not only resolves compatibility issues but also makes it easier to share, print, or archive your images in a convenient format. Here’s how to do it in just a few clicks:
PDFacademy is a powerful desktop tool for Windows that lets you convert PDF files into various formats, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and multiple image types like JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. Here's how to easily save your PDF as JPEG using PDFacademy:
Step 1: Launch PDFacademy
Open PDFacademy and navigate to the Recent Files section. Look for the Create PDF option under Common Tools and click it to get started.

Step 2: Add Your HEIC Files
Upload the HEIC images you want to convert by clicking Add Files. If you want each image saved as an individual PDF, select the option to create a separate PDF for each file.

Step 3: Convert and Save
Choose where to save the converted PDFs on your computer. Hit the Start button to begin the conversion process. In moments, your HEIC photos will be converted into PDFs, ready for download or further use.

02 Using Online Converters
Online converters offer a quick way to convert HEIC files to JPG without needing to install software. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit a reputable online converter like CloudConvert, Convertio, or HEICtoJPG.
Step 2: Upload your HEIC files and choose JPG as the output format.
Step 3: Click Convert, then download the JPG files once ready.
03 Use the Photos App (Windows 10/11)
You can convert HEIC files to JPG easily using Windows’ built-in Photos app. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Right-click your HEIC file, select Open with, and choose Photos.
Step 2: In Photos, click the three-dot menu (More options) at the top right, then select Save as.
Step 3: In the Save dialog, choose JPEG as the file format, pick your destination folder, and click Save.
Avoid uploading sensitive photos and check the site’s privacy policy to keep your data safe.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac
Macs have built-in support for HEIC files, making it easy to convert them to JPG without extra software. Here are two simple methods:
01 Using Preview
Step 1: Locate your HEIC file in Finder. Right-click the file, hover over Open With, and select Preview from the list. This opens the image in the Preview app.
Step 2: In Preview’s top menu bar, click File, then choose Export from the dropdown menu. This opens the export dialog window.
Step 3: In the export dialog, click the Format dropdown menu and select JPEG. You can adjust the quality slider to control the image compression and file size. Then, choose the folder where you want to save the JPG version. Finally, click Save to complete the conversion.
02 Using Photos App
Step 1: Open the Photos app on your Mac and select the HEIC photos you want to convert. You can select multiple photos by holding the Command key while clicking.
Step 2: From the menu bar, click File, then hover over Export, and select Export [number] Photos (where [number] reflects how many photos you’ve selected).
Step 3: In the export settings window, set Photo Kind to JPEG. Adjust the quality level as needed (e.g., High, Medium, or Low). Choose the folder where you want the JPG files saved, then click Export to start the conversion process.
Tips for a Seamless HEIC to JPG Conversion
Converting HEIC files to JPG is usually straightforward, but these tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure the best results:
- Backup Your Originals: Always keep a copy of your original HEIC files before converting, just in case you want to revert or need higher quality versions later.
- Check Image Quality: When converting, adjust the quality settings if available. Higher quality means larger files but better images. Find a balance that fits your needs.
- Batch Conversion: If you have many HEIC files, use batch conversion tools or apps like PDFacaemy to save time and avoid repetitive manual work.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure your apps or tools (Photos, Preview, converters) are up to date to support the latest HEIC features and avoid compatibility issues.
- Be Mindful of Privacy: When using online converters, avoid uploading sensitive photos since your files are processed on external servers.
- Test Before Bulk Converting: Try converting a few images first to confirm output quality and format before processing large batches.
Conclusion
Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows and Mac is simple with built-in tools and online converters. For a faster, more secure, and versatile solution—especially for batch conversions—PDFacademy is your go-to all-in-one platform.
Try PDFacademy today to easily convert HEIC files and manage your PDFs effortlessly in one place!