How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac: 5 Free Methods

Why Do You Need to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac?

If you own an iPhone and a Mac, you have probably encountered HEIC files. Since iOS 11, Apple saves photos in HEIC format by default. While HEIC offers excellent compression, it can cause compatibility issues when sharing photos with Windows users, uploading to certain websites, or using older software. Converting HEIC to JPG on Mac ensures your photos work everywhere.

Method 1: Use PicKit Online Converter (Fastest)

The quickest way to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac is using a browser-based tool. PicKit HEIC to JPG converter works entirely in your browser — no software to install, no files uploaded to any server.

1. Open PicKit HEIC to JPG in Safari or Chrome on your Mac
2. Drag and drop your HEIC files
3. Adjust quality settings if needed
4. Click Convert and download your JPG files

This method is ideal because it handles batch conversion, preserves your privacy, and works on any Mac without installation.

Method 2: Use macOS Preview App

Your Mac comes with Preview, which can convert HEIC to JPG:

1. Open the HEIC file in Preview (double-click or right-click > Open With > Preview)
2. Go to File > Export
3. Choose JPEG from the Format dropdown
4. Adjust the quality slider
5. Click Save

This works well for individual files but becomes tedious for large batches.

Method 3: Use the Photos App Export

If your HEIC files are in the Mac Photos app:

1. Select the photos you want to convert
2. Go to File > Export > Export X Photos
3. Choose JPEG as the Photo Kind
4. Select quality and size options
5. Click Export

This method preserves metadata and organizes exports nicely.

Method 4: Use Automator for Batch Conversion

For frequent batch conversions, create an Automator workflow:

1. Open Automator and create a new Quick Action
2. Set “Workflow receives current” to “image files”
3. Add “Change Type of Images” action
4. Set the type to JPEG
5. Save the workflow

Now you can right-click any HEIC file and convert it to JPG instantly using the Quick Action.

Method 5: Use Terminal with sips Command

For tech-savvy users, the built-in sips command converts HEIC to JPG:

sips -s format jpeg input.heic --out output.jpg

For batch conversion of all HEIC files in a directory:

for f in *.heic; do sips -s format jpeg "$f" --out "${f%.heic}.jpg"; done

Which Method Should You Choose?

Method	Best For	Batch Support	Ease of Use
PicKit Online	Quick, private conversion	Yes	Very Easy
Preview	Single file conversion	No	Easy
Photos App	Photos library exports	Yes	Easy
Automator	Frequent batch jobs	Yes	Moderate
Terminal	Scripting, automation	Yes	Advanced

FAQ

Is converting HEIC to JPG on Mac free? Yes, all five methods described above are completely free. PicKit is a free online tool, and Preview, Photos, Automator, and Terminal are all built into macOS.

Will I lose quality converting HEIC to JPG? JPG uses lossy compression, so there may be a minimal quality reduction. However, at high quality settings (90%+), the difference is virtually imperceptible. For best results, use the highest quality setting available.

Can I convert HEIC to JPG without installing software? Absolutely. Use PicKit HEIC to JPG converter — it runs entirely in your browser with no installation needed. Your files stay on your Mac and are never uploaded to any server.