You've connected your iPhone, pulled off 200 photos, and now you have 200 .heic files that half your software can't open. Converting them one by one would take an hour. Here's how to handle it efficiently.
Why Batch Conversion Matters
HEIC is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11. It saves 50% storage compared to JPEG, but compatibility outside Apple's ecosystem remains spotty. If you need to share these photos, upload them to a non-Apple service, or edit them in software that doesn't support HEIC, conversion is necessary.
The Fast Workflow
- Open the HEIC Converter
- Select output format: JPEG for maximum compatibility, WebP for smaller files
- Set quality: 90 for JPEG (indistinguishable from original), 85 for WebP
- Drop files: Select all your HEIC files and drop them at once
- Download: Each file converts individually in your browser
Format Decision Guide
- JPEG 90: Works everywhere. Best for sharing with anyone, uploading to any platform, or archiving.
- WebP 85: 30% smaller than JPEG. Best for web use, saving storage, or when recipients use modern software.
- PNG: Lossless preservation. Best for archival or when you need to edit the images later.
What About Metadata?
HEIC files contain the same EXIF metadata as JPEG - date, camera settings, GPS location. During conversion, you can choose to preserve metadata (keeps timestamps and camera info for organization) or strip it (better for privacy). If you're converting before sharing, strip the metadata with the Strip Metadata tool.
Preventing Future Issues
On your iPhone: Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible. This saves future photos as JPEG. Note that this uses roughly double the storage per photo.
Alternatively, when sharing from iPhone: Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC > Automatic. This converts to JPEG during transfer.
Privacy
Your iPhone photos are personal. The HEIC Converter decodes HEIC files using WebAssembly in your browser. No photos are uploaded anywhere. This is especially important for personal photos that you wouldn't want on a third-party server.
Conclusion
Batch HEIC conversion is a common task for iPhone users. The HEIC Converter handles it quickly and privately - drop your files, choose a format, download the results. No uploads, no accounts, no limits.
Try it yourself
Free, private, runs in your browser. No sign-up required.
