How to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac: 3 free methods
Your iPhone saves photos as HEIC by default since iOS 11, but when you transfer them to a Mac you often need JPG for wider compatibility — email attachments, web uploads, design tools or sharing with Windows users. On Mac you have three free options: the built-in Preview app, Automator for batch jobs, or this online converter — no software installation required.
Máy chủ này hiện chưa hỗ trợ HEIC. Định dạng HEIC cần Imagick bật HEIF. Liên hệ quản trị viên để cài libheif.
Method 1 — macOS Preview (built-in, no install)
macOS has supported HEIC since High Sierra (10.13). The Preview app can open, view and export HEIC files to JPG natively.
- Open your HEIC file in Preview (double-click or right-click > Open With > Preview).
- Go to File → Export… (not "Export as PDF").
- In the format dropdown, select JPEG.
- Drag the quality slider to your preferred level (90% is a good default).
- Click Save. Your JPG file is ready.
Tip: For multiple files, select them all in Finder, open with Preview, select all thumbnails (⌘A), then File → Export Selected Images. Preview will save each one as a separate JPG.
Method 2 — Automator (batch conversion without apps)
Automator is a free automation tool built into macOS, perfect for converting dozens of HEIC files at once without third-party software.
- Open Automator (search with Spotlight or find in Applications/Utilities).
- Choose "Quick Action" as the workflow type.
- Set "Workflow receives current" to image files.
- Add the action Change Type of Images (search in the action library).
- Set the output format to JPEG.
- Save the Quick Action with a name like "Convert to JPG".
- Now right-click any HEIC file in Finder and choose Quick Actions → Convert to JPG.
Comparison: which Mac method is best?
| Method | Best for | Batch? | Install needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preview | 1–10 files, quick one-off | ✅ Yes (Export Selected) | No — built into macOS |
| Automator | Repeated batch jobs | ✅ Yes (any amount) | No — built into macOS |
| This online tool | Quick conversion on any device | ✅ Up to 20 files | No — works in any browser |
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert HEIC to JPG on Mac without installing anything?
Yes. macOS Preview app supports HEIC natively. Open the file and use File > Export > JPEG. Alternatively, use this online converter — no software needed.
Does macOS Sonoma support HEIC files natively?
Yes. macOS High Sierra (2017) and later include native HEIC support in Preview, Quick Look, Finder thumbnails and the Photos app. No additional codec is required.
How do I batch convert HEIC to JPG on Mac using Preview?
Open multiple HEIC files in Preview, select all thumbnails (Cmd+A), then File > Export Selected Images. Choose JPEG as format. Preview will export each file individually.
Why does the HEIC file show as unsupported on my Mac?
HEIC requires macOS High Sierra 10.13 or later. If you are on an older version, use this online converter to get a universally compatible JPG.
What is the quality difference between HEIC and JPG on Mac?
HEIC and JPG at the same visual quality, HEIC files are approximately 40-50% smaller. When you export HEIC to JPG at 90% quality in Preview or here, the visual result is virtually identical to the original.