If you have an iPhone or iPad, you already have a great device for capturing different types of images. Unfortunately, these will save in a HEIC format that only works on Apple. So, when sharing the image files, we recommend converting them to a more universal image format. Here’s how to convert HEIC to JPG or JPEG!

You’ve just returned from that dream vacation in Bali. The sunset photos you captured on your iPhone are absolutely stunning, and you can’t wait to share them with friends or print them for your wall.

But then, you try to upload them to your favorite printing service or attach them to an email, and you’re met with an error: “File format not supported.” Urgh, frustration!

This happens because newer iPhones save photos in the space-saving HEIC format by default. However, many websites, services, and devices still only accept the universally compatible JPEG or JPG format.

So, it is time to get to work – luckily, converting from HEIC to JPEG is a bit easier than you think. With Zight’s HEIC converter, it’s as simple as 1,2,3 before you can share or print multiple files. Let’s run it down below!

How to Convert HEIC to JPG Instantly with Zight

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through the entire process of converting HEIC images to JPG using Zight’s converter tool. To make things clear, I’ll be using a real example – converting a HEIC photo of a horse from my phone.

I have already uploaded this file in HEIC format to my computer so I can start using the converter. However, you don’t have to if you have a HEIC image on your iPhone; just follow these steps to convert:

Step 1: Go to Zight’s Converter Tool

You can access the converter tool on your laptop, iPhone, or iPad here: https://zight.com/tools/free-heic-to-jpg-converter/

This is the interface we will be using:

It’s a free, straightforward, web-based interface, so you’re not going to need to open an account with Zight or download any additional software.

Step 2: Upload and Convert your HEIC file

For this next step, you can upload your HEIC file from your mobile device or laptop. Alternatively, if you’re using a laptop, you can click and drag your file onto the converter.

To get started, head to the box that says, “Drag & drop a HEIC file here, or click to select.” You have two convenient options for uploading your HEIC photos:

I) Drag and Drop:

If your HEIC files are already accessible on your device, simply drag them directly from your folder and drop them into the upload area.

This works great if you have your file explorer window and the Zight converter open side by side on your computer.

II) Click to Browse:

We are going to be using this second option for the steps below, but basically, you’ll click anywhere in the upload area to open your device’s file browser to show your photo/file list:

Next, select the HEIC image you want to convert from your device, then click “Open.”

After this, Zight will automatically convert your HEIC image to a high-quality JPG format in as little as a few seconds! You will see a progress indicator while Zight works its magic, then a preview of the converted file on the Zight HEIC file converter.

The system maintains the highest possible image quality during conversion – and no quality loss or image noise is introduced during the process.

Here’s the gist of it:

Step 3: Download Your JPG Image

And all that’s left now is for you to save your new JPG image. Click the “Download JPG” button to save your newly converted image to your device.

Depending on your browser settings, the file will either:

• Save automatically to your default downloads folder
• Prompt you to choose where you want to save it

That’s literally all there is to it! The entire process from upload to download takes just seconds, and you end up with a high-quality JPG that you can use anywhere without compatibility issues!

Understanding HEIC and JPG: Why Might You Need to Convert?

Are you wondering what HEIC and JPG are and why you might need to switch between the two? Both formats have their strengths, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown:

1. HEIC Files

HEIC is Apple’s modern image format that arrived with iOS 11 in 2017 as an implementation of the HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File) format introduced in the same year.

When you snap photos on a recent iPhone or iPad, they’re saved as HEIC by default.

HEIC files typically take up half the storage space of equivalent JPG images while actually preserving more visual data. This clever compression means your 64GB iPhone can effectively store nearly twice as many photos compared to JPG, all while maintaining exceptional detail in shadows, highlights, and colors.

Unfortunately, HEIC is still relatively new in the digital world. Many non-Apple platforms, older software applications, and websites simply don’t recognize these files. Try uploading a HEIC photo to certain websites or sending it to friends with non-Apple devices, and you’ll likely encounter compatibility issues.

Here’s what you’d get if you tried to open an HEIC file on Windows:

2. JPG Files

JPG/JPEG has been the standard image format for over 25 years, making it the digital photography equivalent of a universal language.

Almost every device, application, website, and service on the planet can display JPG files without hassle. You can use the format for social media photos when taking screenshots, or emailing images to colleagues!

While JPG doesn’t match HEIC’s impressive compression efficiency, modern JPGs still offer reasonable file sizes with perfectly acceptable quality for most everyday uses.

When you convert from HEIC to JPG, you’re essentially trading some storage efficiency for universal compatibility, ensuring your memories can be shared and viewed without technical barriers.

✅ Why Use Zight’s HEIC to JPG Converter?

Here are a few reasons you want to keep using Zight to convert HEIC to JPG:

✔ No Downloads Required – Convert HEIC to JPG directly in your browser

Unlike traditional conversion tools that require software installation, updates, and valuable storage space on your device, Zight’s converter works entirely in your web browser. This means no waiting for downloads, no installation process, and no compatibility issues with your operating system.

✔ High-Quality Conversion – Preserve image resolution and quality

Many converters sacrifice quality for speed or file size, resulting in blurry, pixelated, or color-shifted photos. Zight’s advanced conversion algorithm maintains the original resolution, color accuracy, and detail of your HEIC files when converting to JPG. Even subtle details like lighting gradients, shadow textures, and skin tones are preserved with remarkable fidelity.

For professionals and casual users alike, this means your vacation photos, product images, or portfolio shots remain as stunning in JPG as they were in HEIC.

✔ Fast & Efficient – Get your JPG image in seconds.

Zight’s optimized conversion engine processes even high-resolution HEIC files in seconds. Our cloud-based infrastructure handles the heavy computational work so your device doesn’t have to.

The time from upload to download is often under 5 seconds for standard photos – quick enough that you can convert multiple images during a brief coffee break or while waiting in line.

✔ Wide Compatibility – JPG format works seamlessly on all devices and platforms.

While HEIC offers excellent compression, its limited compatibility can be frustrating. JPG files, on the other hand, are universally recognized across virtually all software, hardware, and platforms developed in the last 30 years.

From professional design software like Adobe Photoshop to social media platforms, email clients, printing services, and digital frames – JPG works everywhere.

✔ Secure & Private – No images are stored—everything happens in real-time.

Privacy matters, especially when your photos may contain personal moments or sensitive information. Zight’s converter processes your images in real time without storing them on servers.

Once your browser session ends, no trace of your photos remains on our systems!

Thus, your family vacation photos, personal documents, or professional work remain private and secure throughout the conversion process, and you will have peace of mind while using our tools.

Choosing Between HEIC and JPG

HEIC

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) is Apple’s implementation of the HEIF standard, introduced in iOS 11. It offers superior compression that reduces file size by up to 50% compared to JPG while maintaining higher image quality. However, HEIC files have limited compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem, which can cause sharing and viewing issues on non-Apple devices and platforms.

JPG

JPG (or JPEG) is a universal image format supported by virtually all devices, platforms, and software. While it doesn’t offer the same compression efficiency as HEIC, JPG files are widely compatible, making them ideal for sharing, printing, and using across different devices and applications. Converting HEIC to JPG ensures your images can be viewed and used anywhere without compatibility issues.

File Compression and Optimization

Optimize Your Image Files

When converting from HEIC to JPG, our tool maintains excellent image quality while ensuring maximum compatibility. This allows your photos to be easily shared, viewed, and edited across all platforms and devices without worrying about format restrictions.

Why Convert to JPG:

• Universal Compatibility: JPG files are supported by virtually all devices, applications, and platforms.
• Seamless Sharing: JPG ensures your images can be viewed by anyone, regardless of what device or operating system they use.
• Easier Editing: JPG is compatible with all image editing software, making it ideal for post-processing work.
• Printing Support: JPG files can be easily printed at photo labs and printing services without conversion issues.
• Web Optimization: JPG files are the standard for web usage, so your images will display properly online.

Supported Devices and Platforms

Where Can You Use JPG Files?

JPG files are universally compatible with virtually every device and platform. Once you convert HEIC files, you can easily use your images with:

• Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
• Image editing software like Zight, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, GIMP, or Canva.
• Photo printing services, both online and in physical stores.
• Email attachments and messaging apps without compatibility issues.
• Web pages and online content management systems.