Introduction
If you’re a Mac user, you may have encountered the HEIC image format, which is the default format for photos taken on Apple devices running iOS 11 or later. While HEIC offers many advantages, its compatibility issues may cause frustration for some users. Fortunately, converting HEIC to JPG on Mac is easy with different methods and software options available.
The purpose of this article is to provide a step-by-step guide to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac, introduce popular software options for conversion, and discuss the pros and cons of HEIC and JPG. This article is intended for Mac users who need to convert HEIC to JPG for compatibility or other reasons.
What is HEIC and why convert it to JPG?
HEIC stands for High-Efficiency Image File Format, which is designed to capture high-quality images with smaller file sizes. HEIC offers many advantages over the traditional JPG format, such as better image quality, smaller file size, and support for advanced features like transparency and depth maps.
However, compatibility issues may arise when trying to open HEIC files on non-Apple devices or software that doesn’t support the format. Therefore, users may need to convert HEIC to JPG for compatibility or other reasons.
Step-by-step Guide to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac
If you want to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac, you can use Preview, which is a built-in app for viewing and editing images on Mac. Here are the steps:
- Open the HEIC file you want to convert in Preview.
- Go to the “File” menu and select “Export.”
- In the Export window, select “JPEG” in the “Format” dropdown menu.
- If necessary, adjust the image quality and size options.
- Choose a destination folder where you want to save the JPG file.
- Click “Save.”
Preview will then convert the HEIC file to JPG and save it to the chosen folder. Here is a screenshot of the process:
Software Recommendations for Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac
While Preview is a convenient built-in option for converting HEIC to JPG, there are also some powerful third-party software options available that offer more advanced features and customization options. Here are some popular software options:
iMazing HEIC Converter
iMazing HEIC Converter is a free desktop software that lets you convert HEIC files to JPG or PNG format. It’s available for Mac and Windows and offers batch conversion, custom quality settings, and drag and drop support. Here are the steps to use iMazing HEIC Converter:
- Download and install iMazing HEIC Converter from the official website.
- Launch the app and drag and drop the HEIC files you want to convert to the window.
- Choose “JPEG” or “PNG” in the Output Format dropdown menu.
- Select a destination folder where you want to save the files.
- Adjust the quality settings if necessary.
- Click “Convert.”
A progress bar will show the conversion status, and the JPG or PNG files will be saved to the chosen folder. Here is a screenshot of iMazing HEIC Converter:
Adobe Lightroom
If you’re a professional photographer or need more advanced editing tools, Adobe Lightroom is a popular choice for managing and editing photos. Lightroom also supports HEIC files and lets you customize the conversion options, such as color space, resolution, and compression quality. Here are the steps to use Adobe Lightroom:
- Launch Lightroom and import the HEIC files into the Library module.
- Select the files you want to convert to JPG.
- Go to the “File” menu and select “Export.”
- In the Export dialog box, choose “JPEG” in the “File Settings” section.
- Customize the output options as desired.
- Click “Export.”
Lightroom will then convert the HEIC files to JPG and save them to the chosen folder. Here is a screenshot of Lightroom:
HEIC vs. JPG: Which one to choose?
Both HEIC and JPG have their advantages and disadvantages depending on users’ needs. HEIC files offer better image quality and smaller file size, while JPG files offer better compatibility and easier sharing. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Format | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| HEIC | Better image quality, smaller file size, support for advanced features like transparency and depth maps | Compatibility issues, requires iOS 11 or later |
| JPG | Better compatibility, easier sharing, widely available | Limited features and compression options, larger file size |
If you need to convert HEIC to JPG on your Mac, you can use the methods and software recommended above. Here’s a quick refresher:
- Use built-in Preview app for a simple conversion process.
- Use iMazing HEIC Converter for batch conversion, custom quality settings, and drag and drop support.
- Use Adobe Lightroom for advanced editing and custom conversion options.
Alternative Methods for Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac
Aside from built-in and third-party software options, there are also online converters and other third-party apps that can convert HEIC to JPG on Mac. Here’s a comparison:
Online Converters
Online converters offer a convenient way to convert HEIC to JPG without installing any software. However, they may have limitations in terms of file size, privacy concerns, and internet speed. Here are some popular online converters:
Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps offer more customization options and features, but they may also require a fee or subscription. Here are some popular third-party apps:
- HazeOver (offers HEIC conversion and other features)
- Any HEIC Converter (offers batch conversion and custom quality settings)
Troubleshooting Common Issues when Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac
There may be some common issues that users may encounter when converting HEIC to JPG on Mac, such as conversion errors or quality loss. Here are some tips and solutions:
- Make sure your software is up to date to support HEIC files.
- Check the source and destination file paths to ensure correct conversion.
- Choose the appropriate color profile and resolution settings for the output file.
- If necessary, reduce the compression level to avoid quality loss.
- Use high-quality third-party software for more sophisticated HEIC to JPG conversion.
By following these troubleshooting tips or avoiding these issues altogether, you can enjoy a smooth HEIC to JPG conversion on your Mac.
Conclusion
Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac can be easy and convenient with the built-in Preview app or third-party software options. You can also choose between HEIC and JPG depending on your needs and preferences. By following our step-by-step guide and tips, you can turn your HEIC files into compatible JPG files quickly and efficiently.
Do you have any comments or suggestions about HEIC to JPG conversion on Mac? Leave us a comment below.
