How to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac
Choose a Mac conversion method based on where your photos live, then check the JPG copies before sharing them.
Updated 2026-10-11
To convert HEIC to JPG on a Mac, open the photo in Preview, choose File > Export, select JPEG, then save a new copy. If the photo is in your Photos library, export it from Photos with JPEG as the photo kind. Both routes are documented in Apple's guide to HEIF media.
Choose the method based on where the photos are now. You do not need to import a folder into Photos just to convert it, and you do not need to locate a library's internal files to export a picture already in Photos.
Use Preview for a photo in Finder
Apple's Preview guide describes the export controls:
- Open the HEIC file in Preview.
- Choose File > Export.
- In the Format menu, select JPEG.
- Adjust the quality control if needed, give the copy a name and choose where to save it.
- Click Save, then open the saved copy.
If the format you need is missing, Apple recommends holding Option while opening the Format menu to show additional formats.
Use a separate output folder so you can distinguish the copies from the originals. A folder named JPG copies is an example, not a Mac setting. Start with one photo before applying the same choices to a larger set.
Convert several files in Preview
Preview can convert multiple images together. Open the files in one Preview window, select the images in that window's sidebar, then follow the export steps above. This is the batch method described in the Preview guide.
Check the selection before exporting. Having several files open does not mean you have selected every image you want to convert. Save the results to your output folder and compare its contents with the intended selection.
If you prefer a Chrome workflow, the Convert HEIC to JPG listing describes local batch conversion on Mac, adjustable JPG quality and individual or ZIP downloads. Open the extension, add the HEIC files, choose JPG, and download the results. Check the output settings before adding a batch because conversion can start when you add files.
Export a photo that is already in Photos
Use Photos' export controls rather than searching inside the photo library. In Apple's Photos guide:
- Select the photo or photos in Photos.
- Choose File > Export > Export [number] Photos.
- Set Photo Kind to JPEG.
- Review the available size, quality and naming options.
- Click Export, choose a destination, then export the files there.
For a JPG copy, choose the export route that lets you select JPEG. Export Unmodified Original serves a different purpose: Apple says it exports the format originally imported into the library. An original HEIC therefore stays HEIC through that route.
A Live Photo exported as a still image will not behave like the moving photo in your library. Retain the original if you want that behavior later.
Check the copy before sharing it
Conversion is only useful if the copy works at the destination. Try one JPG in the form, document or app where you need it before converting the rest.
- Open the output and check orientation, visible detail and framing.
- Compare its file size with the destination's limit.
- Confirm that you selected the converted copy rather than the original HEIC.
- Keep the original separately if it matters for your library or future editing.
The converter's feature overview warns that date, location and other EXIF data may not be fully retained in converted files. Check those fields if you depend on them; a familiar filename does not prove the metadata survived.
If the photo still fails to upload, use the separate HEIC upload troubleshooting guide. If you are deciding between output formats, see when to choose JPG or PNG.