HEIC is a modern image format that Apple embraced in 2017. It brings remarkable benefits like reduced file sizes without sacrificing quality. However, HEIC has yet to gain widespread adoption. When sharing photos shot on iPhone or iPad, compatibility issues frequently arise.
The good news is you have options to seamlessly convert HEIC images to universally compatible formats like JPEG and PNG. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 9 HEIC converter tools that make the process incredibly easy.
A Brief Background on the HEIC Image Format
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image File Format. It uses advanced compression techniques to pack down photo sizes up to 2x smaller than JPEG pictures of equivalent quality.
Apple switched to HEIC as the default camera capture format on iOS devices starting with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X rollout. The rationale was simple – dramatically cut down storage needs for pics and videos.
On a functional level, it works great. iCloud Photo Library utilizes HEIC compression to enable more photo backups with your limited storage allowance. Smaller media files also reduce upload/download times.
However, HEIC poses compatibility challenges whensharing pictures beyond the Apple ecosystem. Neither Windows nor Android natively support the format. Most apps and web services don’t recognize HEICs either.
Before we dive into the conversion tools, let’s recap the key capabilities and limitations around this imagery format:
HEIC Format Highlights
- Up to 2x better compression than JPEG
- Retains excellent image quality
- Native support on Apple devices (requires iOS 11+)
- Seamless compatibility with iCloud Photo Library
Downsides of HEIC
- No native Windows/Android support
- Poor external app/service compatibility
- Cannot be shared across non-Apple devices
- Restricted editability in imaging apps
When sending HEIC pictures to people without Apple gear, you either need a file conversion workaround or the recipient requires an HEIC compatible image viewer.
That’s what brings us to this guide on seamlessly transforming your photos. Let’s check out the top tools for converting HEICs to compatible JPEG or PNG file formats.
1. HEICtoJPEG – Simple Web Converter for JPEG Images
HEICtoJPEG is a slick web app tailored for one purpose – take your HEIC source images and output optimized JPEGs.
Upload pics from your local device or drag images straight onto the browser window for expedited processing.
Its simplicity is what I dig about HEICtoJPEG. A clean, no hassle interface with clear functions. Convert or download batches of images with a single click too.
Key Features:
- Web app requires no software installs
- Drag and drop conversion mechanism
- Allows up to 5 photo uploads per batch
- Creates optimized JPEGs reduced up to 80% in size
- Downloads ZIP file containing converted images
- Works on any modern browser
This tool won’t win points for customization or versatility. But when you need a quick and easy HEIC to JPEG conversion solution, check out HEICtoJPEG.
2. FonePaw HEIC Converter – Powerful Offline Tool
FonePaw built an HEIC Converter tool expressly for Windows users struggling with Apple’s modern image format. It runs as a standalone offline application.
I’m quite partial to this one thanks to its deep capabilities. Not only are comprehensive image format conversions available, but you can also preview HEICs directly on a Windows 10 or 11 PC.
What I really like about the FonePaw HEIC Converter:
- View HEIC images natively in Windows
- Option to preserve 100% image quality
- Convert single or batches of photos
- Supports PNG, JPEG, BMP among 20+ formats
- Lossless compression modes
- Retains EXIF metadata
- Simple wizard-based interface
FonePaw premium capabilities justify its paid software pricing. If you work heavily with imaging and value optimized file size savings, this one warrants a close look.
3. CloudConvert – All-Purpose Media and Document Converter
CloudConvert takes file conversion to impressive heights. It goes well beyond images to handle everything from videos to audio, documents, ebooks, archives, and more.
Over 200 different source and output formats are supported. That includes HEIC to JPEG or PNG image conversion.
It’s the Swiss army knife equivalent amongst converters, albeit web-based. I routinely rely on CloudConvert to transform diverse media files for my technology projects.
Standout features:
- 200+ supported conversion formats
- Audio, video, document, and image conversion capabilities
- Batch upload unlimited files
- Customizable image quality and dimensions
- Secure and free for limited use
For versatile file conversion needs, CloudConvert is a superb tool to bookmark.
4. CopyTrans HEIC – Seamlessly View HEICs on Windows PCs
CopyTrans HEIC tackles HEIC photo compatibility for Windows users head-on. It’s a specialty offline app focused expressly on that niche purpose.
Install CopyTrans and you can directly open HEIC images on a Windows desktop as if they were native JPEG or PNG files. Behind the scenes, on-demand HEIC to JPEG conversion automatically occurs.
Top attributes that make CopyTrans a leading HEIC solution:
- Enables flawless HEIC photo viewing in Windows
- On-demand background conversion to JPEG
- Right-click image export options
- Batch export 100+ images at once
- Retains EXIF metadata like geotags
- Free trial available
For Windows die-hards, CopyTrans brings welcome relief from the HEIC format headache.
5. iMazing HEIC Converter – Private Windows and Mac Photo Conversion
The iMazing HEIC Converter brings professional-grade photo format conversion abilities for Apple users. It runs natively on both macOS and Windows systems as a desktop app.
I’m quite impressed by iMazing’s versatility between not just HEIC conversion needs but also iOS device backups/transfers. It makes an excellent combined solution for managing an Apple-centric photography workflow.
Why check out the iMazing HEIC Converter app:
- Cross-platform macOS and Windows support
- Local app requires no cloud uploads
- Batch conversion engine
- tunable JPEG/PNG quality parameters
- Preserves Color Profiles
- Retains EXIF and IPTC metadata
- Free trial available
For prosumers and creative professionals invested in the Apple ecosystem, iMazing proposes tons of handy utility.
6. FreeToolOnline – Online JPEG/PNG Converter
If you have loads of HEIC photos to handle, FreeToolOnline is a handy web converter that can gulps down thousands of images with ease.
It’s an online HTML canvas conversion tool with nearly unlimited capacity, capped at a generous 5 GB individual file size limit. You’d be hard-pressed to hit constraints with all but the most demanding bulk image sets.
Core attributes about FreeToolOnline:
- Allows massive 5 GB file uploads
- Supports up to 5,000 photos per batch
- Converts HEIC to JPEG and PNG
- Optional PDF document generation
- HTML canvas conversion mechanism
- Straightforward drag and drop uploader
For no-limits high-volume HEIC to JPEG/PNG photo conversion, this online tool fits the bill terrifically.
7. Convertio – Capable Media and Document Web Converter
Convertio is another cloud-based file converter centered around simplicity. It supports HEIC to JPEG conversion alongside audio, documents, ebooks, and additional image formats.
Drag-and-drop files from your desktop, link cloud storage providers like Google Drive or Dropbox, even directly import media via URL. Conversion processes rapidly with results ready in minutes.
Appreciated Convertio features:
- 200+ format conversion support
- Integrates cloud storage providers
- Handles images, video, audio
- HTML5 canvas conversion
- Batch upload with bulk handling
- Secure https and 256-bit SSL
For general web-based file conversion needs, Convertio is a superb free-to-use option worth keeping on your radar.
8. HEICtoPNG – Straightforward PNG Converter
If PNG is your preferred image format, HEICtoPNG efficiently converts HEIC photos to that target delivery medium with streamlined browser-based actions.
It’s a single purpose online tool tailored expressly for HEIC to PNG image conversion. Except delivering slightly richer compression capabilities, PNG provides negligible practical benefit over JPEG images. Nonetheless, HEICtoPNG furnishes an easy converting solution focused on that file type.
Core facts about this web converter:
- Converts HEIC images to PNG format
- Allows 20 photo uploads per batch
- 50 MB total size limit per conversion
- HTML5 canvas processing
- Saves downloads as ZIP archive
- No account required
When PNG files suit your needs, HEICtoPNG makes short work of getting your Apple photos converted.
9. FreeConvert – Capable Media and Document Converter
Rounding out our list is FreeConvert. It‘s another prominent online file conversion platform built around an HTML5 canvas paradigm.
Expect broad support for 120+ file types covering images, video, audio, documents, ebooks, and more. Conversions happen rapidly through modern web app workflows.
I appreciate the open approach FreeConvert embraces. Signup is entirely optional to access core file conversion features.
Compelling attributes of this converter solution:
- Converts 120+ file formats
- 1 GB individual file size handling
- Browser-based HTML5 conversions
- Optional account for more features
- Customizable image dimensions
- Batch upload and processing
For everyday media and doc convert needs, FreeConvert joined with Convertio and CloudConvert furnish capable free tools.
Additional Tips for Converting HEIC Images
Beyond the core file conversion tools highlighted so far, a few additional pointers around effectively moving images from HEIC deserve mention:
- JPG vs PNG – In most situations, JPEG is the best target format given superior web/app compatibility. Only use PNG for specialty transparency needs.
- Preserve quality – If archiving converted images, 100% quality is ideal. For everyday sharing, between 80-90% works great.
- Try batch actions – Converting large HEIC batches saves tremendous time. Most tools outlined here support bulk conversions.
- Convert on iOS devices – Use Apple’s Shortcuts app to build HEIC conversion workflows operational natively on your iPhone or iPad.
- Automate workflows – Look at Hazel, Zapier and If This Then That (IFTTT) for automating HEIC to JPEG conversion workflows as new photos accrue.
- Alternative converters – For additional options, Stellar Photo Recovery, AnyTo, PicConvertio, and Zamzar all provide capable HEIC conversion mechanisms with varying specialties.
Conclusion – Effortlessly Convert HEIC Images for Universal Compatibility
Hopefully this guide covered all the core essentials around converting HEIC photos to broadly compatible JPEG and PNG file formats.
My preferred tools are HEICtoJPEG for fast web app conversions complemented by the FonePaw HEIC Converter’s deep offline capabilities. CloudConvert also sees frequent use for its extremely versatile file handling utilities.
But plenty of solid options fit varying needs and preferences. Got a favorite HEIC conversion tool? Let me know in the comments!
Adopting HEIC does carry legitimate storage efficiency benefits in controlled Apple environments. Nonetheless, traditional image formats still dominate the broader digital photography ecosystem.
Converting iOS-native photos to JPEG or PNG ensures seamless sharing across Windows PCs and non-Apple mobile gear for years to come. The tools covered in this guide make that a cinch!
