How to Convert HEIC Files on Mac - Complete Guide 2025

What Are HEIC Files and Why Convert Them?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's modern image format that provides superior compression compared to traditional JPEG files. While HEIC offers 50% smaller file sizes with better quality, it has limited compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem. Many websites, social media platforms, and applications don't support HEIC files, making conversion necessary for broader compatibility.

Method 1: Using Preview (Built-in Mac App)

The simplest way to convert HEIC files on Mac is using the built-in Preview application:

1. Open Preview - Find it in your Applications folder or use Spotlight search
2. Open your HEIC file - File → Open, then select your HEIC image
3. Export the file - File → Export As
4. Choose format - Select JPEG, PNG, or TIFF from the Format dropdown
5. Adjust quality - Use the Quality slider for JPEG files
6. Save - Choose your destination and click Save

Batch Conversion with Preview

For multiple files, you can use Preview's batch export feature:

1. Select multiple HEIC files in Finder
2. Right-click and choose "Open With" → "Preview"
3. In Preview, select all images (Cmd+A)
4. Go to File → Export Selected Images
5. Choose your format and quality settings
6. Select destination folder and export

Method 2: Using Photos App

If your HEIC files are in the Photos app, you can convert them directly:

1. Open Photos and select the HEIC images you want to convert
2. Export - File → Export → Export Photos
3. Choose format - Select JPEG, PNG, or TIFF
4. Adjust settings - Set quality and size options
5. Export - Choose destination and click Export

Method 3: Using Terminal (Command Line)

For advanced users, you can convert HEIC files using Terminal with the built-in sips command:

# Convert single file
sips -s format jpeg input.heic --out output.jpg

# Convert all HEIC files in a folder
for file in *.heic; do
    sips -s format jpeg "$file" --out "${file%.*}.jpg"
done

# Batch convert with quality setting
for file in *.heic; do
    sips -s format jpeg -s formatOptions 80 "$file" --out "${file%.*}.jpg"
done

Method 4: Third-Party Applications

For professional workflows and advanced features, third-party applications offer superior functionality:

Freshly Squeezed - The Ultimate HEIC Converter

Freshly Squeezed is specifically designed for Mac users who need powerful HEIC conversion capabilities:

• Batch Processing - Convert hundreds of files simultaneously
• Quality Preservation - Maintain original image quality during conversion
• Multiple Formats - Convert to JPEG, PNG, WebP
• Smart Resizing - Resize and crop during conversion
• Metadata Preservation - Keep EXIF data and GPS coordinates
• One-Time Purchase - No subscriptions, own it forever

HEIC vs JPEG: Understanding the Differences

Feature	HEIC	JPEG
File Size	50% smaller	Larger
Quality	Better compression	Good quality
Compatibility	Limited (Apple ecosystem)	Universal
Color Support	Wide color gamut	Standard sRGB
Web Support	Limited	Universal

Common HEIC Conversion Issues and Solutions

Issue: "Cannot open HEIC file"

Solution: Ensure you're using macOS 10.13 or later. Older versions don't support HEIC files natively. Update your Mac or use a third-party converter.

Issue: Poor quality after conversion

Solution: Use high-quality settings when exporting. In Preview, set JPEG quality to 90-95%. In Freshly Squeezed, use the "Quality Preservation" mode.

Issue: Metadata loss during conversion

Solution: Use applications that preserve EXIF data. Freshly Squeezed maintains all metadata including GPS coordinates, camera settings, and timestamps.

Issue: Large file sizes after conversion

Solution: HEIC files are naturally smaller than JPEG. If your converted files are too large, adjust the quality settings or consider using PNG for lossless compression.

Best Practices for HEIC Conversion

• Choose the right format - JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics with transparency
• Maintain quality - Use high-quality settings to preserve image details
• Preserve metadata - Keep EXIF data for professional workflows
• Batch process - Convert multiple files at once for efficiency
• Test compatibility - Verify converted files work on your target platforms
• Keep originals - Always maintain backup copies of your HEIC files

When to Use Each Conversion Method

Use Preview for:

• Occasional single file conversions
• Quick format changes
• Basic quality adjustments

Use Photos App for:

• Converting photos from your iPhone
• Maintaining organization within Photos
• Simple batch exports

Use Terminal for:

• Automated workflows
• Server-side processing
• Power user scripting

Use Freshly Squeezed for:

• Professional photography workflows
• Large batch conversions
• Advanced quality control
• Metadata preservation
• Multiple format outputs

Conclusion

Converting HEIC files on Mac is essential for ensuring compatibility across different platforms and applications. While built-in tools like Preview and Photos work well for basic conversions, professional users and those dealing with large volumes of images will benefit from specialized applications like Freshly Squeezed.

Choose the method that best fits your needs, whether it's a quick single-file conversion or a comprehensive batch processing workflow. Remember to always maintain backup copies of your original HEIC files and test converted images on your target platforms to ensure compatibility.