HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the photo format Apple uses since iOS 11 / macOS High Sierra. Based on HEIF, encoded with HEVC (H.265). Benefits: same quality at 50% smaller file size than JPG, supports transparency and burst shots.
Compatibility: many websites, social platforms, and print shops don't support HEIC. Windows: can't open HEIC by default (needs a plugin). Sharing: Android users may not be able to view HEIC files. Editing: some photo editors don't support HEIC directly.
No software needed. Open an online converter, upload your HEIC file, choose output quality, click convert, download JPG. The entire process happens locally in your browser — your photos are never uploaded to a server.
High quality (90%+): nearly lossless, best for printing and archiving. Slightly larger files.
Medium quality (70-85%): best balance for everyday sharing. Nearly indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Low quality (50-65%): smallest files, good for web and social media posting. Compression artifacts visible when zoomed.
HEIC: smallest files, best quality, but limited compatibility (Apple ecosystem). JPG: universal format, works everywhere, lossy compression. PNG: lossless, supports transparency, but larger files. Use JPG for daily use, PNG when you need transparency, HEIC within Apple devices.