In 2017, Apple adopted the HEIC as the default image format in its devices due to this format having a better compression algorithm. Ever since, your photos on Apple devices like Mac or iPhone have been saved in HEIC format. However, the format is not widely supported by devices outside the Apple ecosystem. So, you need to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac when transferring your photos to other devices.
The reason for choosing JPG is that it is the world’s most popular and widely supported image format. Read the article to learn 5 easy ways to batch convert HEIC to JPG on Mac.
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What is HEIC Image Format?
HEIC, or High Efficiency Image Container, is an image format introduced by Apple in 2017 with iOS 11. The format is designed to be a storage-saver due to its superior HEVC compression technique. It is a variant of HEIF or High Efficiency Image Format. Compared to JPG, the HEIC images are half the size and have better quality. Its major flaw is the lack of wide support compared to JPG.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac?
Since many devices or websites do not support the HEIC format, you are required to convert it to a more common format like JPG. Luckily, you don’t have to look far to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac as there are multiple in-built options. Below are 5 most common and easy methods to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac:
1. Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac with Preview
Preview is the default photo viewer app on the Mac that also works as a photo editor. It means you can easily convert HEIC to JPG on Mac using the Preview app. To help you in this conversion process, we have explained the steps below:
Step 1: Access the Export Option
Select your HEIC file on the Mac and open it with Preview. Next, tap on the “File” tab from the top toolbar and choose “Export.”
Step 2: Select the JPG Format in the Export Window
In the “Export” window, change “Format” to JPG. You can also rename your file, select the saving location and choose quality. After this, tap “Save” to save your file as JPG on Mac.
Related Article: How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows?
2. Batch Convert HEIC to JPG with Mac Shortcuts App
Want to batch convert HEIC to JPG on Mac with minimal effort? Mac has the best tool called Shortcuts for it. Through this, you can easily create a single shortcut to batch convert HEIC files to JPG whenever you want. The detailed process to batch convert HEIC to JPG with the Shortcuts app is given below:
Step 1: Launch the Shortcuts App on your Mac
Launch the “Shortcuts” app through Spotlight Search using the “Command + Space” key on Mac. Click “Quick Actions” from the left side and tap the “+” icon from the top toolbar.
Step 2: Add the Files Option in the First Tab
Select “Ask For” and “Files” in the “if there’s no input” on the first tab. On the right sidebar, search “Select File” and drag it under the first tab in the main area. Click “Show More” on it and check the “Multiple” option.
Step 3: Add the Convert Image Feature
Search “Convert Image” on the right side and drag it to the main area under the previous two tabs. Now drag “Make Image from PDF Page” to the main area from the right side. Set its parameters to “JPG Image” and “Converted Image.”
Step 4: Import the Save Parameter
Now search “Save” on the right side and drag the “Save File” to the main area below all previous tabs. Lastly, click the “i” icon from the right side, press “Add Keyboard Shortcut,” and define a shortcut key to save the shortcut.
3. Convert HEIC to JPG with Automator
Since the Shortcuts app is available in new macOS versions, you can still use the “Automator” feature of your MacBook. It allows you to automate many actions on your Mac, saving you from all the hassle. Follow these steps to use Automator to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac:
Step 1: Create a New Quick Action or Service
Open “Automator” on your Mac and select the “Quick Action” or “Service” icon to open it using “Choose.” Choose “Workflow receives current” or “Service receives selected” dropdown menu from the right side and select “Image Files.”
Step 2: Select the Change Image Type Option
Access the “Action” tab from the left side and select the “Photos” option. Next, locate and select the “Change Type of Images” option and drag it to the right-side area. Now, change the “To Type” format from “TIFF” to “JPG.”
Step 3: Save the Quick Action or Service
Now click “File,” select “Export,” and give your script a name to save it. Now double-click the file to install the script to install it on your Mac.
Step 4: Select the HEIC Quick Action
Now move to the targeted HEIC images and select them. Right-click the selected images and choose your HEIC conversion script from “Quick Actions” or “Services” to convert them.
4. Convert HEIC to JPG via Third-Party Software
You can use a third-party app if you cannot convert HEIC to JPG on Mac using in-built options. There are many tools available for you to use, like iMazing Converter. It is a popular HEIC to JPG and PNG converter tool for Mac users. You can use iMazing to batch convert HEIC to JPG on Mac by following these steps:
Step 1: Add HEIC Files to iMazing Converter
Download and install iMazing Converter on your Mac and launch it. Now drag and drop your HEIC files to the converter window.
Step 2: Start Converting HEIC Files to JPG Format
Once the files are added, choose JPG as the format and the photo quality. Now press “Convert” to convert your HEIC files.
5. Convert HEIC to JPG via Online Tools
Numerous online HEIC to JPG converter tools are available, like HEICtoJPEG, iMobile HEIC Converter, etc. However, online tools can be risky as they might contain malware or other cyber threats. Here is how you can use an online tool to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac:
Step 1: Upload the HEIC Files
Use your browser to open any of the online tools mentioned above. Upload your HEIC photos by using the select button or drag-and-drop method.
Step 2: Download the Converted JPG File
After the photos are uploaded, wait for the automatic conversion process to convert them to JPG. Afterward, download them back to your Mac.
HEIC to JPG FAQs
Do you have any questions relating to HEIC to JPG conversion? Below we have answered some FAQs regarding converting HEIC to JPG on Mac:
Why are my photos HEIC instead of JPG on Mac?
HEIC is the default image format on Mac for photos. That’s why when you create a photo on Mac, it is saved as HEIC. While you will not face any issues when staying inside the Apple ecosystem, you will need an image converter when moving images to other devices.
What is the easiest way to convert HEIC files?
The easiest way to convert HEIC files to JPG on Mac is using the Preview app. All you need to do is open the image in Preview and select “Export” to convert your image to JPG format. It also allows you to define the new image quality and rename it.
How do I convert multiple HEIC Photos to JPG?
If you want to convert multiple HEIC photos to JPG, you can use Preview, Shortcuts, or Automator on your Mac. The Preview app is the easiest way to convert multiple HEIC photos to JPG. Open your photos in the Preview app, select them, and choose “Export Selected Images” to convert them.
How can I convert HEIC to JPG without a converter?
You can use Preview, Photos, Automator, and Shortcuts to convert HEIC to JPG without needing a converter on Mac. All of these options provide you with a quick and simple way to convert HEIC images. You can convert single or multiple images through all these apps. For example, open your HEIC photo in Preview, select “Export,” and save it as JPG.
Conclusion
The HEIC format is a far superior image format to the JPG format, but it is still not widely used. Until it becomes the standard in the image world, you need to convert your HEIC photos to a more popular format like JPG for easy use. This article has explained 5 easy methods to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac. Hopefully, you were able to find the perfect method.
