HEIC vs JPG: Which Image Format Should You Use?
Since iOS 11, iPhones have saved photos as HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) by default. It is based on HEVC and typically produces files half the size of an equivalent JPG at the same visual quality. So why does everyone still ask for JPG?
The short answer
- Use HEIC for storing photos on your phone or in a photo library where every device supports it.
- Use JPG when you upload to a website, send to a client, print at a lab, or share with anyone on Windows or Android.
Compatibility
JPG is supported by every browser, operating system and application released in the last 25 years. HEIC support is much narrower: Safari and macOS handle it natively, Windows 11 needs the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, and many web browsers and content management systems still refuse it outright. Uploading a HEIC to a WordPress site often results in a broken thumbnail.
File size and quality
At the same visual quality, HEIC is usually 40–50% smaller. That matters when you are backing up thousands of photos. Once you convert to JPG you can never get that space back — but you can choose a sensible JPEG quality (80–85%) and still get a file that looks identical on screen.
Converting HEIC to JPG
- Open the HEIC to JPG converter.
- Drop one or many HEIC files onto the page.
- Leave the target set to JPG and convert.
- Download the JPGs — each keeps its original dimensions.
What about metadata?
HEIC files can carry depth maps, HDR gain maps and Live Photo data. Most converters drop these, keeping only the visual image and EXIF. If you need the depth data for portrait-mode editing, edit in the Photos app first, then convert a copy.
Should you switch your phone to JPG?
On iOS you can go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible to shoot JPG directly. That is worth doing if you constantly export to the web, but it costs you storage. A better workflow for most people: keep shooting HEIC and convert in bulk only when you actually need to publish.