macOS opens HEIC files natively, so you don't need to install anything to convert them to JPG. There are four free, built-in ways — including one that converts a whole folder in a couple of clicks. Here's each, and when to use it.
1. Preview — best for one or two files
- Double-click the HEIC file to open it in Preview.
- Choose File → Export.
- Set Format to JPEG, adjust the quality slider, and click Save.
You can also select several files in Finder, open them together in Preview, select all in the sidebar, and use File → Export Selected Images to do a small batch.
2. Finder Quick Action — best for batches
This is the hidden gem on modern macOS (Monterey and later):
- Select one or many HEIC files in Finder.
- Right-click and choose Quick Actions → Convert Image.
- Pick JPEG, choose an image size, and click Convert to JPEG.
It converts the whole selection at once and drops the JPGs right next to the originals. No app, no export dialog per file.
3. Photos app
If the images live in your Photos library, select them, then drag them to the desktop or use File → Export → Export Photos and choose JPEG. Photos lets you set quality and even strip location metadata on the way out.
4. Browser converter — cross-platform, no fiddling
If you bounce between a Mac and a Windows or work machine, or you just want one method that works the same everywhere, open heictojpg.clickin any browser, drop your HEIC files, and download the JPGs (or grab them all as a ZIP). It runs entirely in the browser — nothing is uploaded — so it's as private as Preview but works on any computer.
The same tool also handles HEIC to PNG and HEIC to PDF if you need those instead.
Which one should you use?
- One or two files: Preview.
- A whole folder: the Finder Quick Action.
- Photos already in your library: the Photos app export.
- Same method on any computer: the browser converter.
Not sure whether you even need to convert? See HEIC vs JPG for when each format makes sense.