Hello and welcome! Today we will be discussing how to convert HEIC to JPG on your Mac. This process may seem daunting at first, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with an easy-to-follow guide. In this article, we will walk you through the steps and provide explanation where necessary. We will also share tips and tricks to make this process even smoother. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
Steps
Step 1: Select the HEIC Photos You Want to Convert
The first step is to select the HEIC photos you want to convert. You can do this by opening the Photos app on your Mac, selecting the photos, and then clicking on the “File” option in the top menu bar.
Step 2: Click on the “Export” Option
Once you have selected your photos, click on the “Export” option from the dropdown menu. This will open up a small dialogue box.
Step 3: Select the “Export Unmodified Original” Option
In the dialogue box, select the “Export Unmodified Original” option. This will ensure that you get the highest quality image when converting from HEIC to JPG.
Step 4: Choose the Destination Folder
Next, choose the destination folder where you want to save the converted JPG images. You can create a new folder or choose an existing one.
Step 5: Click on the “Export” Button
Once you have chosen the destination folder, click on the “Export” button. This will begin the process of converting the HEIC images to JPG.
Step 6: Open Preview
After the conversion is complete, open the Preview app on your Mac. This is where you will be able to view and modify the JPG images.
Step 7: Drag the Converted Images into Preview
Drag the converted JPG images from the destination folder into Preview. You will be able to view them in the main Preview window.
Step 8: Click on the “File” Option and Select “Export”
Click on the “File” option in the top menu bar and select “Export” from the dropdown menu. This will open up a new dialogue box.
Step 9: Choose the “JPEG” Format Option
In the dialogue box, choose the “JPEG” format option from the dropdown menu. This will ensure that the image is saved in the JPG format.
Step 10: Choose the Destination Folder
Choose the destination folder where you want to save the converted JPG images.
Step 11: Click on the “Save” Button
Once you have chosen the destination folder, click on the “Save” button. This will save the converted JPG images to your desired location.
Step 12: Repeat for all HEIC Images
Repeat these steps for all of the HEIC images you want to convert to JPG. You can save time by selecting multiple images at once and then exporting them all in one go.
Explanation
Now that you’ve gone through the steps, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening. HEIC is a relatively new image format that was introduced with iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. It’s designed to be more efficient than the older JPEG format, which means it takes up less space on your device. However, not all devices support HEIC, which is why you may want to convert your images to JPEG.
When you export the photos from the Photos app, you are essentially creating a copy of the image in its original format. This ensures that you get the highest quality image possible when you convert from HEIC to JPG. Once you have the original image, you can open it in Preview and save it as a JPG using the “Export” option.
It’s important to note that the conversion process may result in some loss of quality, but this is generally negligible. The JPG format is also less efficient than HEIC, so the converted images will take up more space on your device.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use Command + A to Select All Photos
You can save time by using the Command + A shortcut to select all of the photos in your library at once.
2. Create a New Folder for Converted Images
Creating a new folder for the converted images will make them easier to find and organize.
3. Use Batch Processing to Convert Multiple Images at Once
You can save even more time by using batch processing to convert multiple images at once. This can be done by selecting multiple images and then following the same steps as outlined above.
4. Use Drag and Drop Between Apps
You can also save time by using drag and drop between apps. For example, you can drag the HEIC images from the Photos app into Preview, and then drag the converted JPG images back into the Photos app.
5. Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Preview
Preview has a number of keyboard shortcuts that can save you time when editing or modifying images. For example, you can use the Command + S shortcut to save changes to an image.
6. Use Third-Party Software
There are a number of third-party software options available that can help you convert HEIC to JPG. Some popular options include iMazing HEIC Converter and Joyoshare HEIC Converter.
7. Keep the Original HEIC Images
It’s always a good idea to keep the original HEIC images in case you need them later. You can store them in a separate folder or on an external hard drive.
8. Save Converted JPG Images to the Cloud
If you are running low on storage space on your Mac, you can save the converted JPG images to the cloud using services like iCloud or Dropbox.
9. Use an App to Automatically Convert HEIC to JPG
There are also apps available that can automatically convert HEIC images to JPEG as soon as you take them. This can be a convenient option if you frequently take photos on your iPhone or iPad.
10. Check Compatibility Before Converting
Finally, it’s always a good idea to check compatibility before converting HEIC images to JPG. Make sure that the device or software you plan to use supports the JPG format before starting the conversion process.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac can be helpful in situations where you want to view and share your photos with ease. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of converting HEIC to JPG:
Advantages
| Advantages |
|---|
| 1. Universally accepted format: JPG is a widely accepted format and is compatible with many devices, making it easy to share and view photos without compatibility issues. |
| 2. Smaller file size: JPG files are typically smaller in size compared to HEIC files, which reduces storage space and makes it easier to upload and share photos online. |
| 3. Easy to edit: Most photo editing software supports JPG, making it easy to edit photos without any compatibility issues. |
| 4. Supports metadata: JPG files support metadata, which allows for easy organization and sorting of photos based on date, location, and other criteria. |
| 5. Compatible with most web services: Most web services, such as social media sites and cloud storage services, support JPG files, making it easy to share and store photos online. |
Disadvantages
| Disadvantages |
|---|
| 1. Loss of quality: Converting HEIC to JPG can result in a loss of quality, particularly if the compression settings are too high. |
| 2. Limited editing capabilities: JPG files are a lossy format, meaning that each time you edit and re-save a file, some quality will be lost. This can limit the editing capabilities of the photo. |
| 3. Lack of transparency: JPG files do not support transparency, which means that you cannot create images with transparent backgrounds. |
| 4. Limited resolution: JPG files are limited in their resolution, and may not be suitable for printing or high-quality photo editing. |
| 5. Compression artifacts: JPG is a lossy format, and high degrees of compression can result in visible compression artifacts, such as blockiness or pixelation. |
Overall, converting HEIC to JPG on Mac can be a useful tool for sharing and editing photos, but it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and limitations of the format. Consider your specific needs and use case before deciding whether to convert your photos to JPG.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac
1. What is HEIC?
HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Format) is a relatively new image file format that is designed to reduce file sizes while maintaining high image quality.
2. Why do I need to convert HEIC to JPG?
Not all devices and software support HEIC yet. If you want to share photos with friends or family or edit them using older software, you may need to convert HEIC to JPG first.
3. How do I know if my Mac supports HEIC?
MacOS High Sierra and newer versions support HEIC. To check if your Mac supports it, go to “About This Mac” > “System Report” > “Graphics/Displays” and check the “HEVC/HEIF” option.
4. How do I convert HEIC to JPG on Mac?
You can use the built-in Preview app on your Mac to easily convert HEIC to JPG. Just open the HEIC file in Preview, then go to “File” > “Export as” > “JPEG”.
5. Can I convert multiple HEIC files to JPG at once?
Yes, you can batch convert multiple HEIC files to JPG using Preview. Just select all the HEIC files you want to convert, then right-click and select “Open With” > “Preview”. Then go to “File” > “Export Selected Images” and choose JPEG as the file format.
6. Is there a limit to how many HEIC files I can convert to JPG at once?
No, there is no limit to how many HEIC files you can convert to JPG at once using Preview. However, converting a large number of files may take some time depending on your Mac’s processing power.
7. Can I convert HEIC files to other file formats besides JPG?
Yes, you can use Preview or other image editing software to convert HEIC files to other file formats such as PNG or TIFF.
8. Do I need to install any third-party software to convert HEIC to JPG?
No, you don’t need to install any additional software to convert HEIC to JPG. The built-in Preview app on your Mac is sufficient.
9. Will my photos lose quality when I convert them from HEIC to JPG?
There may be some loss of quality when you convert HEIC files to JPG since the latter is a compressed file format. However, the difference may not be noticeable to the naked eye.
10. Can I convert HEIC files to JPG on my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, you can convert HEIC files to JPG on your iPhone or iPad using the “Save as JPG” option in the Photos app. Just go to the HEIC file you want to convert, tap “Edit”, then tap the “…” button and select “Save as JPG”.
11. Can I convert HEIC files to JPG on Windows?
Yes, you can use Microsoft’s free HEIF Image Extensions plugin to view HEIC files on Windows 10 and convert them to JPG or other file formats using third-party software such as IrfanView.
12. What should I do with the original HEIC files after converting them to JPG?
It’s up to you whether you want to keep the original HEIC files or delete them. If you have limited storage space, you may want to delete them after confirming that the JPG versions are satisfactory.
13. Should I always convert HEIC files to JPG?
Not necessarily. If you don’t need to share or edit the photos on devices or software that don’t support HEIC, you can keep them in their original format to preserve their quality and save storage space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, converting HEIC to JPG on Mac is a simple process that can be done using the built-in Preview app or various third-party software. With the increasing popularity of HEIC format, it is essential to know how to convert them to a more widely accepted format like JPG. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily convert your images to JPG format on your Mac without any hassle.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article on how to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac. We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Remember, converting HEIC to JPG is an important skill to have if you want to use your images on various platforms and devices. So, don’t hesitate to try out the different methods available and choose the one that suits you best. Until next time, happy converting!