How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac: 4 Easy Methods
Your iPhone photos sync to your Mac as HEIC files to save space, but HEIC isn't welcome everywhere — many websites, older apps, and Windows machines still expect JPG. The good news: macOS gives you several built-in ways to convert HEIC to JPG, and there's a free online option when you want the result in seconds. Here are four reliable methods for macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia.
Method 1: Preview (single or a few images)
The fastest built-in way for one image:
- Open the HEIC file in Preview (double-click it)
- Choose File → Export
- In the Format dropdown, select JPEG
- Set the Quality slider and click Save
To convert several at once in Preview, select them all in Finder, open together, select all thumbnails in the sidebar, then use File → Export Selected Items.
Method 2: Finder Quick Actions (no app to open)
macOS can convert straight from Finder:
- Select one or more HEIC files in Finder
- Right-click and choose Quick Actions → Convert Image
- Pick JPEG and your preferred size, then click Convert
This creates JPG copies alongside the originals — ideal for quick batches.
Method 3: Automator (large batches, repeatable)
If you regularly convert folders of photos, build a one-click workflow with Automator:
- Open Automator and create a new Quick Action
- Add the Change Type of Images action and set the type to JPEG
- Save the workflow with a name like "HEIC to JPG"
- Right-click any selection of HEIC files and run it from Quick Actions
Method 4: Free online converter (no macOS version dependence)
When you just want JPGs immediately — or you're on a managed Mac without Quick Actions — a browser tool is the simplest option. Picovert processes images on your device, so nothing is uploaded:
- Open the Image Converter
- Drop in your HEIC files and choose JPG output
- Download all the converted images
Which method should you use?
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Preview | One or a handful of images with quality control |
| Finder Quick Action | Fast batches without opening an app |
| Automator | Frequent, repeatable folder conversions |
| Online converter | Instant results, any Mac, no setup |
After converting: optimize for the web
JPGs from an iPhone can still be several megabytes. If the photos are headed for a website or email, run them through the Image Compressor to cut the file size, or use the Image Resizer to scale them down to the dimensions you actually need.
Key takeaways
- Preview and Finder Quick Actions convert HEIC to JPG natively on modern macOS
- Automator is best when you convert folders regularly
- The Image Converter works on any Mac instantly with no setup
- Compress or resize afterward when the JPGs are bound for the web