Images taken with the iPhone in HEIC format can be converted in no time. There are different options that can help.
iPhone: This is how converting HEIC images works
If you want to convert a file to another format, you have several options to choose from. Either you use an online service or you download a converter program.
- If you want your iPhone to automatically convert the HEIC images to JPEG images when transferring them to another device, go to the Settings. Tap Photos and scroll down to the menu item transfer to Mac or PC. Put a tick next to it Automatically.
- You can also convert your images in other ways. On the convertio.co site, for example, you have the option of opening your HEIC file and having it converted directly.
- The two websites heic.online and apowersoft.com also offer this service. Here you can convert your HEIC files directly to JPEG, PNG or BMP.
- The online service heictojpg.com is also suitable for this. However, the handling here is in English.
- If you don't want to always go online to convert your HEIC images, you can, for example, download a program and use the service directly on your computer.
- If you use a Windows PC, you can use the free program from imazing.com, for example.
- The iDevice Manager program is just as helpful.
Easily convert HEIC images on Mac
If you have a Mac, you usually don't need an additional program to convert your HEIC files.
- To do this, open the Photo-App.
- Select the photos you want to edit. If you want to convert multiple photos, click on the respective photos using the cmd-Taste hold down.
- Then go to File > Export > Export x Photos and select the desired format for photos.
- Then click on “Export“.
- A menu opens. Here you can determine where the converted photos should be saved.
HEIC file: That's what's behind it
If you have an iPhone model with iOS 11 or later, photos are taken and saved in HEIC format.
- This already includes the iPhone 6S, 6S Plus and all newer iPhone and iPad Pro models.
- HEIC is also known as HEIF and means something like “High Efficiency Image Format”. The format is not an Apple format, but was developed by MPEG.
- In contrast to the JPEG format, HEIC has many advantages. Although JPEG is a very practical format that converts images into a smaller data volume, it also has many disadvantages.
- With JPEGs, many file information such as colors, sharpness or saturation are irretrievably lost. The format also does not support transparency.
- A HEIC file, on the other hand, is just half as big like a JPEG file. However, the quality remains the same.
- At the same time it is possible to save several photos in one file. This is for example for Live-Photos of importance.
- By the way, they will too16-bit colors supported. JPEGs, on the other hand, can only be saved with 8-bit colors and therefore appear less saturated in color.
- When you edit a photo and then save it to his Original state If you want to move it, this also works with a HEIC file.
- In addition, the format supports the transparency of images and moving images such as GIF.
FAQ about HEIC images on iPhone
Read the answers to frequently asked questions about this topic here:
- Why HEIC and not JPG?: HEIC has a few advantages: the images are about half the size of JPGs with the same quality, you can save multiple photos in one file with HEIC, HEIC supports transparency (similar to GIFs), and image edits can be saved. HEIC also supports 16-bit color.
- Which is better, HEIC or JPG?: That depends on the intended use. While HEIC has some advantages, it is not yet widely used. If you want to use your photos in many different places without having to convert them first, JPG is better.
- Why does iPhone take HEIC pictures?: The reason for this is that HEIC images require less storage space while maintaining the same quality. This is generally practical when iPhone storage is limited.
- Are iPhone photos JPGs?: Since iOS 11, all photos on the iPhone are initially saved in HEIC format.
- How to convert HEIC to PDF?: To convert a HEIC file to a PDF, it is best to use free online converters.