How to Convert HEIC Files on Mac

To convert HEIC files on a Mac, open them in Preview or Photos and export to JPEG or PNG, or use a batch converter when you have dozens or hundreds of iPhone photos. HEIC is efficient on Apple devices, but many websites, CMSs, and clients still expect JPEG, PNG, or WebP.

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default capture format on many iPhones. It usually stores more detail in less space than JPEG, but compatibility outside Apple platforms is uneven. Converting before upload avoids broken images and support tickets.

Method 1: Preview (built-in)

1. Open the HEIC file in Preview.
2. Choose File → Export.
3. Pick JPEG or PNG from the Format menu.
4. Adjust quality if available, then save.

Preview is fine for a handful of photos. It is slow and repetitive for product shoots or travel dumps.

Method 2: Photos app

1. Import or select HEIC images in Photos.
2. Use File → Export → Export Photos.
3. Choose JPEG and a size/quality setting.

Method 3: Batch convert for real workflows

For ecommerce, design, or content teams, convert in bulk:

1. Drop a folder of HEIC files into a batch converter.
2. Select JPEG, PNG, WebP, or AVIF as the output.
3. Optionally resize, crop, and strip GPS in the same pass.
4. Save a preset so the next shoot uses the same settings.

Freshly Squeezed reads HEIC and can batch convert while resizing and optimizing. Learn more on the HEIC converter page.

When to keep HEIC

Keep originals in HEIC (or a RAW/ProRAW workflow) as your archive. Export derivatives for web, email, and marketplaces so you can re-export later without starting from a compressed JPEG.