HEIC guides
Short, honest answers about HEIC photos — what the format is, how to open it on any device, and how to stop getting it in the first place.
- How to convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone and MacConvert HEIC to JPG on iPhone with the Files app or a quick copy-paste, and on Mac with Preview's Export. Plus a browser option that works on both.
- How to convert HEIC to JPG on WindowsThree ways to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows: a browser converter with no install, the Photos app with extensions, or a bulk in-browser batch — compared.
- HEIC vs JPG: which should you use?HEIC files are about half the size of JPG at similar quality, but JPG opens on every device. Here's the difference, and when to keep each format.
- Make your iPhone shoot JPG instead of HEICStop your iPhone saving HEIC: open Settings, tap Camera, tap Formats, and choose Most Compatible. New photos save as JPG. Here are the exact steps.
- How to open HEIC files on AndroidMost Android phones open HEIC now, but if Gallery shows a blank image, open the file in your mobile browser to convert it — no app install, nothing uploaded.
- How to open HEIC files on Windows 10Open HEIC photos on Windows 10 by converting them in your browser, or by adding Microsoft's HEIF and HEVC extensions so the Photos app can read them.
- How to open HEIC files on Windows 11Open HEIC photos on Windows 11 three ways: convert them in your browser, install Microsoft's HEIF extension, or use the Photos app. Step-by-step, no upload.
- What is a HEIC file?A HEIC file is an iPhone photo saved in Apple's HEIF format. Here's what HEIC is, why it saves space, and why Windows and browsers often can't open one.
- Why does my iPhone take HEIC photos?Your iPhone shoots HEIC because Apple made it the default in iOS 11 to save storage. Here's why, what it means, and how to switch the camera back to JPG.