If you’re a Mac user who frequently captures photos with your iPhone or iPad and want them in the more universally accepted JPG format for sharing or editing elsewhere, converting HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) files to JPG becomes a necessity. The HEIC format is Apple’s preferred photo type because it can compress photos into smaller sizes while maintaining quality, which is fantastic for storage capacity. However, not everyone works with or shares in this format, making the conversion process crucial.
Why Convert HEIC to JPG?
- Compatibility: Not all devices and platforms support HEIC files directly, making JPG an optimal choice as it’s widely used across different systems.
- Storage Space: While HEIC takes less space, converting them can make managing your photos easier if most of your workflows are in JPG.
- Editing Capabilities: Some older software or basic programs might not work well with HEIC files, whereas JPGs can be edited without a hassle.
How to Convert Multiple HEIC Files to JPG on Mac
Method 1: Using Preview Application
Apple’s built-in Preview app is incredibly powerful and includes the ability to convert image formats without needing any third-party apps.
Step 1: Right-click (or control-click) on an HEIC file, then select “Open With,” and choose “Preview.”
Step 2: Once you are in Preview, go to File > Export As.
Step 3: Select JPEG from the “Format” dropdown menu if it’s not already selected.
Step 4: Choose a location for your new JPG file(s) or leave them as is on your system.
While this method works effectively, manually exporting each photo can be time-consuming. For multiple files at once, consider these alternatives:
Method 2: Automator Workflow
Mac OS includes Automator which allows you to create custom workflows and scripts, making converting many files quick and easy.
Step 1: Open Automator (found in your Applications folder).
Step 2: Start a new document of type “Quick Action.”
Step 3: In the ‘Library’ panel, find and drag “Open Images” action from Files & Folders into the workflow area at right. This allows you to select multiple images.
Step 4: After selecting “Open Images” and configuring it by setting the source folder or specifying that you want an action sheet when using this Quick Action (if needed), add a new search for “Export JPEG Images” from the Media group and drag it below your first action.
Step 5: Configure any additional options such as quality settings, file naming conventions, etc., in the Export JPEG Images action’s menu on the right-hand side as per preference.
Step 6: Save and close this Automator Workflow. You can then use this Quick Action to convert multiple images from HEIC to JPG whenever needed just by selecting them!
Method 3: Preview All at Once
There’s an undocumented tip that allows you to easily open all HEIC files in a folder with Preview.
Step 1: Select the batch of HEIC files or navigate into one folder containing only your intended images.
Step 2: Use CMD+C (copy) and CMD+T to open the selected HEIC file(s) as thumbnails.
Step 3: Press CMD+E to Export them all in a single instance. Choose JPEG for format, ensuring you check the “Use Folder Name” option under “JPEG Options” to maintain organized filenames and directories if you have batches split by date or event.
These methods provide efficient ways to switch formats quickly on macOS, catering whether you prefer manual control over each conversion step-by-step or automating processes across numerous files in less time-consuming manners. Continue exploring further customization options within these workflows or consider other third-party applications optimized specifically for large-scale image conversion tasks if needed.
