It’s been quite a while since Apple has replaced JPEG with HEIC image format with iOS 11 release. But, despite getting native support from Apple, MPEG’s new HEIC format has not yet evolved as a standard format. Specially, Windows and Android users face compatibility issues to open HEIC images. While a way around to open HEIC images on Windows is to use some good HEIC image viewer tools, another good way is to convert HEIC/HEIF photos to widely-popular JPEG or PNG format. Once the HEIC photo is converted to JPG/PNG, it can be viewed on Windows, Android, and other platforms. Therefore, we have created this list which includes 7 free tools that let you convert HEIC images to JPEG, PNG or other common image file formats.
Those who are new to HEIC, here is a brief explanation. HEIC stands for High-Efficiency Image File format. It is basically a container format developed to store single or multiple images. The size of the HEIC image is comparatively less than JPG image and quality is also very good. Therefore, the idea behind using this format on Apple devices is to save storage space. But, those who feel the need to convert HEIC to PNG or JPG, this list will be helpful. Since this list covers online tools also, so those can also be used as HEIC image converter tools for macOS.
Let’s take a look at these tools.
1). Apowersoft Free HEIC Converter (Online)
Apowersoft provides a free Online HEIC Converter that helps to convert your HEIC images to JPEG images. You can add HEIC files on its interface through drag and drop and start the conversion in 1-click. The service supports batch image processing and lets you convert a large number of files in one go. You can choose to keep or remove the EXIF data in the converted files, and also set the output JPEG quality using a slider. This service is extremely simple to use and works seamlessly with HEIC images. A desktop version of the same is also available, however, it comes with limited functionality and adds a watermark until a license is purchased.
Note: As per the Apowersoft Support team, the uploaded files will be deleted instantly and permanently from their server once the conversion is complete.
Below you can see some the key features of this free HEIC Converter tool:
- Drag and drop support.
- Batch file conversion- 60 HEIC images can be converted in one go.
- 1-click download for all output images.
- Ad-free interface.
- Output setting options are present- adjust JPEG quality and keep/remove EXIF metadata.
- Displays the sizes of input and output images.
- HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) enabled on the website.
Works With: all modern browsers.
2). iMazing HEIC Converter (Software)
iMazing HEIC Converter software converts HEIC images locally on your PC, thereby it eliminates the risk of handling your personal photos to a third-party service. You can download and install this tiny software and start converting your photos instantly. It offers HEIC conversion into 2 different formats: JPEG and PNG.
iMazing HEIC Converter supports batch image conversion. There is no limit to add HEIC images for conversion. It also comes with drag and drop support for adding multiple HEIC photos. Other features include the preservation of EXIF metadata, support for color profiles, and JPEG quality setting.
Below you can see some pros and cons of this free HEIC Converter software:
Pros:
- Drag and drop support.
- Batch HEIC file conversion.
- No limit on adding HEIC files for batch conversion.
- 2 Output formats to choose from- JPEG and PNG.
- Output setting options available- set JPEG quality & keep/remove EXIF metadata for JPG images.
- Ad-free interface.
- Fast conversion process.
Cons:
- File size increases significantly (4x for JPEG and 6X for PNG) for a few images tested by us.
- Rotates most of the images 90o anti-clockwise post JPEG conversion.
- Requires relaunch if the added HEIC files need to be cleared from the interface.
Works With: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and Vista.
Size: 25.3 MB (.EXE).
3). HEICtoJPEG (Online)
HEICtoJPEG is a simple and quick HEIC to JPEG conversion tool. This tool also supports drag and drop feature to upload multiple images for conversion. It not only converts the HEIC images to JPEG but also uses the popular photo optimization technology (by JPEGmini) to significantly reduce the size of output files. It produces output without losing the image quality.
Note: As per this online tool, it automatically removes all the converted photos within 30 minutes from its server. But, it does not mention anything about the uploaded source HEIC images.
Below you can see the important highlights of this online HEIC to JPG converter tool:
- Drag and drop support.
- Batch image conversion- up to 50 HEIC images at a time.
- Image optimization.
- 1-click download for output files.
- Ad-free interface.
- Show the size of input HEIC and output JPEG files.
Works With: all modern browsers.
4). IOTransfer– HEIC to JPG Converter (Online)
IOTransfer is a popular iOS file transfer and management software. As part of its promotion, it offers a free online HEIC to JPG conversion tool, which is very good.
This HEIC conversion tool lets you upload HEIC files one by one or in batch (maximum 50 photos). The tool supports drag and drop feature as well. Once the images are uploaded, the conversion begins instantly. Post conversion, the JPEG images can be downloaded locally in a single shot.
Below you can see some pros and cons of this tool:
Pros:
- Batch conversion lets you convert 50 HEIC photos to JPG at a time.
- HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) enabled.
- Drag and drop support.
- Ad-free interface.
Cons:
- Rotates most of the images to 90o anti-clockwise post JPEG conversion.
Works With: all modern browsers.
| Did You Know? You can convert HEIC to JPEG using Dropbox! Just install Dropbox on your iPhone and Windows PC. Now, login to Dropbox on your iPhone. Tap on Settings > Camera Uploads > Save HEIC photos as > JPG. Finally, upload all those saved images that you wish to see on PC. Now login to the same Dropbox account on your PC and download uploaded images. The images will be downloaded in JPEG format. |
5). CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
CopyTrans HEIC for Windows is a plugin that lets you view HEIC images using Window’s native Photo Viewer app and convert those images to JPEG if required.
This plugin is free for personal use and probably the most convenient way to convert HEIC to JPEG locally on your Windows PC. Once installed, it fixes all blank HEIC thumbnails and allows you to convert HEIC images to JPEG using its right-click context menu option. The plugin supports batch image processing and offers a quick, safe, and easy way for HEIC conversion on Windows PC. Select HEIC images stored in a folder on your PC and do a right-click. You will see ‘Convert to JPEG with CopyTrans‘ option. Use that option and it will convert HEIC photos for you.
Below you can see the pros and cons of CopyTrans HEIC software:
Pros:
- Native Windows Photo Viewer support.
- HEIC thumbnail preview.
- Only two clicks conversion process.
- Supports batch image conversion.
Cons:
- Rotates most of the images 90o anti-clockwise in batch conversion.
Works With: Windows 7, 8, and 10.
Size: 8.58 MB (.EXE).
6). Aconvert Image Converter– HEIF to JPG (Online)
Aconvert is another free online HEIC file converter tool. It can convert your HEIC photos to JPEG and several other formats, including TIFF, PNG, BMP, ICO, etc. Another good part about this tool is it mentions that it ensures the file privacy by implementing HTTPS, renaming files to 10 random characters, and permanently deleting the files from its server within 1-2 hours of conversion. This free Online HEIC converter is easy to use. However, converting files 1 by 1 is a bit time-consuming.
Below you can see some pros and cons of it:
Pros:
- HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is enabled.
- Drag and drop support available.
- Option to change output image size before conversion. Still, we recommend you to keep the original size for good output.
- Save converted file to Google Drive & Dropbox.
- Provides QR code to download output image using a smartphone.
- Support over 200 image file formats for conversion.
Cons:
- Ad-based interface.
- Batch file conversion is not supported.
- There is no output quality setting option.
Works With: all modern browsers.
7). FonePaw HEIC Converter Free (Software)
Fonepaw’s HEIC Converter Free is one of the useful software for HEIC image conversion. It can convert HEIC to JPEG or PNG format. It comes with a clean and minimalist interface that lets you convert multiple HEIC files or an entire HEIC folder in one go.
You can choose an output format (JPG or PNG), image quality, and output EXIF metadata settings prior to conversion. The application does support drag and drop.
Pros and cons of this free HEIC image converter are listed below:
Pros:
- Clean and ad-free user interface.
- Drag and drop support.
- Batch image conversion.
- No limit on adding HEIC images for conversion.
- Supports JPEG and PNG as output formats.
- Output setting options available- JPEG quality & EXIF metadata.
- The conversion process is fast.
- Option to clear added HEIC images for the next conversion process.
Cons:
- File size increased significantly (4x) while we tested some samples.
- Rotates most of the images 90o anti-clockwise after the conversion.
Works With: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP (32 bit or 64 bit).
Size: 12.5 MB (.EXE).
Final Words:
So, this sums up our list of 7 best free HEIC converter software and online tools. After testing a lot of tools, we have tried our best to bring to you only reliable HEIC converters, which actually give output. It’s completely your choice if you want to try online tools or software. Personally, I am using CopyTrans HEIC software for viewing and converting HEIC images and happy with the results.
Do share your thoughts and if you have something else in mind, then share it with us using the comments section available below.
