HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's modern image format used on iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or later. It offers better compression than JPEG while maintaining higher image quality, allowing more photos to be stored in less space. However, this format isn't universally supported outside the Apple ecosystem, which is why our converter is essential for sharing and viewing these images.

Can HEIC be converted to JPG?

Yes, HEIC files can be easily converted to JPG format using our online converter which processes files directly in your browser for privacy. The conversion maintains excellent image quality while creating files that can be opened anywhere. Simply drag and drop your HEIC files, and our converter will quickly transform them into JPG format that works universally across all devices and platforms.

Why convert HEIC to JPG?

Converting HEIC to JPG ensures universal compatibility across all devices, platforms, and applications. While HEIC offers better compression, JPG is the standard format supported everywhere - from social media platforms to email services, Windows PCs to Android devices. Our browser-based converter provides the simplest way to transform your HEIC files into universally accessible JPG images without sacrificing quality.

Can HEIC files be opened on Windows?

Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files after installing additional components, but this approach has limitations and may require payment. The simplest solution is to convert HEIC files to JPG using our converter, which works on any device with a modern web browser without installing additional software. This creates standard JPG files that open perfectly on Windows and can be used with any application.

Are HEIC Files Bigger Than JPEG? Size Comparison

Q: Are HEIC files bigger than JPEG?

No, HEIC files are not bigger than JPEG files. In fact, it's quite the opposite. HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPEG files while maintaining the same or better image quality. This is one of the main reasons Apple adopted the format - to help users save storage space on their devices. For example, if your photo library contains 1000 photos and each JPEG would be 3MB, the same photos in HEIC format might only take up 1.5MB each, saving you approximately 1.5GB of storage space.

The Short Answer: No, HEIC Files Are Not Bigger Than JPEG

No, HEIC files are not bigger than JPEG files. In fact, it's quite the opposite. HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPEG files while maintaining the same or better image quality.

Size Advantage: A photo that might be 3MB in JPEG format could be as small as 1.5MB in HEIC format with no visible loss in quality.

Why HEIC Files Are Smaller Than JPEG

HEIC files are smaller than JPEG files because they use more advanced compression technology. The HEIC format (High Efficiency Image Container) is based on the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) standard, also known as H.265, which offers significant improvements over the older compression methods used in JPEG.

Here are the key reasons why HEIC achieves smaller file sizes:

1. More Efficient Compression Algorithms

HEIC uses more sophisticated algorithms to analyze and compress image data. These algorithms are better at identifying patterns and redundancies in the image, allowing for more efficient compression without sacrificing quality.

2. Better Prediction Models

The HEIC format uses advanced prediction models to estimate pixel values based on surrounding pixels. This means it needs to store less actual data because it can more accurately predict what certain parts of the image should look like.

3. Flexible Block Partitioning

While JPEG divides images into fixed 8×8 pixel blocks, HEIC can use variable block sizes that adapt to the content of the image. This allows for more efficient compression of different types of image content, from detailed textures to smooth gradients.

HEIC vs JPEG: Size Comparison Examples

Image Type	JPEG Size	HEIC Size	Size Reduction
Portrait photo	2.8 MB	1.4 MB	50%
Landscape photo	3.2 MB	1.7 MB	47%
Detailed texture	4.5 MB	2.3 MB	49%
Simple graphic	1.5 MB	0.7 MB	53%

Quality Comparison at Equal File Sizes

Another way to look at the comparison is to consider what happens when you compress both formats to the same file size:

A HEIC file compressed to 1MB will generally show better image quality than a JPEG file compressed to 1MB
JPEG files tend to show more compression artifacts, color banding, and loss of detail at higher compression ratios
HEIC maintains better color accuracy and detail preservation even at higher compression levels

When HEIC Files Might Seem Bigger

There are a few scenarios where HEIC files might appear to be larger than expected:

1. Live Photos

If you're looking at a Live Photo on an iPhone, the total file size will be larger than a standard still photo because a Live Photo includes both a still image (in HEIC format) and a short video clip. However, the HEIC component itself is still smaller than an equivalent JPEG would be.

2. Very Simple Images

For extremely simple images with large areas of solid color or minimal detail, the difference between HEIC and JPEG might be less pronounced. In some rare cases with very simple graphics, optimized PNG files might be even smaller than both.

3. Minimum File Size Thresholds

Both formats have some overhead for storing metadata and format information. For very small images, this overhead might make the difference less significant in absolute terms.

Real-World Benefits of HEIC's Smaller Size

1. More Photos on Your Device

The most obvious benefit is that you can store approximately twice as many photos on your device when using HEIC format compared to JPEG. For a 64GB iPhone, this could mean the difference between storing 20,000 photos versus 40,000 photos.

2. Faster Sharing

Smaller file sizes mean faster uploads and downloads when sharing photos. This can save time and mobile data when sharing photos via messaging apps, email, or social media.

3. Lower Cloud Storage Costs

If you use cloud storage services that charge based on the amount of data stored, HEIC can potentially cut your storage costs in half.

The Compatibility Trade-off

Despite the significant size advantages, HEIC's limited compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem means that JPEG is still often the more practical choice for sharing and universal compatibility.

Many users adopt a hybrid approach: keeping photos in HEIC format on their Apple devices to save space, and converting to JPEG when sharing with others or uploading to services that don't support HEIC.

Converting Between HEIC and JPEG

If you want to convert your HEIC files to JPEG for better compatibility, or convert JPEG to HEIC to save space, there are several options available:

Use our free online HEIC to JPG converter for quick, browser-based conversion
On Mac, you can use the Preview app to open HEIC files and export them as JPEG
On iOS, you can set your device to automatically convert HEIC to JPEG when sharing photos

Conclusion: HEIC's Size Advantage

HEIC files are definitely not bigger than JPEG files. In fact, they're significantly smaller—typically 40-50% smaller while maintaining the same or better image quality. This size advantage makes HEIC an excellent choice for storing photos on your devices, especially if storage space is limited.

However, JPEG's universal compatibility means it's still often necessary to convert HEIC to JPEG when sharing photos with others or uploading to services that don't support HEIC. Fortunately, this conversion process is simple with tools like our free online converter.