Free Online Image ConverterHEIC, HEIF and JPG: what is the difference?
HEIF means High Efficiency Image File Format: it describes a container for images and related information. HEIC is a common extension for HEIF images encoded with HEVC. JPG and JPEG are two extensions for the same image format. HEIC can store more than a simple flat picture; exporting one still image does not preserve every original feature.
How to open a HEIC file
- On an iPhone or Mac, try Photos or Preview where available. Save a local copy first if the original is still downloading from cloud storage.
- On Windows, try Photos. If it asks for a codec, follow the Microsoft Store instructions for HEIF and, where required, HEVC support. Availability and pricing can differ.
- If your receiving app cannot use HEIC, convert a copy to JPG. Renaming the extension does not convert the image.
Convert HEIC to JPG or PNG
- Open HEIC to JPG for ordinary photo sharing, or HEIC to PNG to avoid an additional lossy JPEG encoding step.
- Choose the original .heic or .heif files. Start with one file if your phone has limited free memory.
- For JPG, select a quality setting, then choose Convert files. Download the result and check its orientation and appearance.
When you need a PDF instead
ConvertFern currently offers a two-step route: HEIC → JPG, then JPG → PDF. Download the JPG first and select it in the PDF tool. This creates a JPEG intermediate and is not a lossless workflow. If your device can export the original HEIC directly to PDF, use that route to avoid the extra intermediate.
Common problems
The image looks different: HDR, colour profiles and depth information do not necessarily survive a browser conversion. Keep the original for editing or archival use.
It will not decode: confirm the file is fully downloaded and not merely renamed. Try a smaller batch or export it from the device that created it. Unusual HEIF codecs may not be supported.
Frequently asked questions
Will converting to PNG recover lost detail?
No. PNG avoids another lossy compression step, but cannot restore detail already discarded in the original image.
Does the converter preserve Live Photos?
It exports a still image, not the Live Photo motion or audio. Keep the original if those features matter.