HEIC photo
What is a .heic file on a Mac, and how do you convert it?
HEIC is the photo format iPhones save in; a Mac opens it in Preview or Photos and can export it as JPEG.
Check before you trash it
These are often your only copy of a photo someone sent you. Move them somewhere you keep photos before you trash anything.
What it is
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) stores photos at about half the size of a JPEG with similar quality. iPhones and iPads use it by default. Macs open HEIC files natively, but some websites and older apps don’t accept them.
Where it comes from
Downloads, when photos are AirDropped from an iPhone or saved from Messages and email.
Convert HEIC to JPEG in Preview
- Open the photo in Preview.
- Choose File › Export, pick JPEG as the format, and click Save.
- For several at once, select them in Finder, Control-click and choose Quick Actions › Convert Image.
Let Oma handle it
Gather photos and videos
An image or video in Downloads is moved to Downloads/Photos and Videos.
See the recipeQuestions
Why are AirDropped photos HEIC?
iPhones shoot in HEIC by default. AirDrop sends them as they are, though some sharing options convert to JPEG.
Can my iPhone save JPEG instead?
Yes. On the iPhone, open Settings › Camera › Formats and choose Most Compatible.
Other files in Downloads
Let Oma have a look at your Downloads.
Free for one folder. Everything free for 3 days, then Grand Oma is $14.99, once.