[2024 New] How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac for Free

Although HEIC format saves photos in higher quality than JPEG while taking less space, there are some times you have to convert HEIC to JPG.

Wondering how to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac? Follow this guide to use the Preview app, the Photos app, or the Automator to change HEIC to JPG on Mac. Keep reading!

What Is HEIC File?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the variant of HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format). Apple was the first major adopter of the format in 2017 with the introduction of iOS 11 using HEIC variant(from Wiki).

When to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac

• The photos are taken by iPhones running iOS 9 earlier.
• The recipient you want to share images with doesn't have an Apple device. (incompatible)
• You want to upload photos to FaceBook, Instagram, or other social media.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac via Preview

The easiest way to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac is to use the Preview app, and it's free.

Here is how:

Open HEIC photos via Preview＞Click the File menu＞Export＞Select JPEG format＞Rename the photo if necessary＞Click the Save button.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac via Photos

The Photos app is also a helpful "HEIC to JPG converter". Follow the steps below to convert HEIC photos to JPG photos:

Drag the HEIC photos directly to any Finder Window, and it will automatically be converted to jpeg format.

Or: Click the Photo you want to change format＞Click the File menu＞Export＞Export 1 Photo＞Choose JPEG format＞Click Export.

How to Convert Multiple HEIC to JPG on Mac

If several photos are waiting to be processed, batch convert them in Preview will save you time and effort.

Here is how:

1. Open Finder＞Select all files you want to convert＞ Right-click and select Open with Preview.
2. Click Select All in the Edit menu.

   

3. Select Export Selected Images.

   

4. Click the Show Options button＞ Select JPEG format＞Choose.

How to Change HEIC to JPG on Mac via Automator

In addition, you can set a quick action to change HEIC to JPG on Mac via Automator. Once you set this quick action, all you need to do is one click if you want to change HEIC to JPG in the future.

Here is how to set HEIC to JPG convert quick action:

1. Open Automator via Spotlight.
2. Click Quick Action＞Choose.

   

3. Click Photo under Library＞Change Type of Images.
4. Drag the action "Change Type of Images" to the right window.

   

5. Select JPEG format.
6. Go to File menu＞Clickl Save＞Name this action＞Save.

   

After setting the quick action, each time you want to convert HEIC to JPG:

Right-click the image＞Quick Actions＞Find and click the action you set.

How to Make Images Default JPG on Mac and iPhone

• For Mac:

On Mac, you can use Terminal to set screenshots to default save as JPG format.

Here is how:

1. Open Terminal via Spotlight.
2. Copy and paste the following command:

defaults write com.apple.screencapture type JPG

• For iPhone:

Capture photos in JEPG format on iPhone:

Go to Settings＞Camera＞Formats＞Select Most Compatible.

Conclusion

Are you clear about how to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac now? Try the methods above to get a JPG image easily.