HEIC vs JPG: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
HEIC stores the same photo in about half the space of a JPG, which is why iPhones use it. JPG opens everywhere; HEIC often does not open on Windows, Android or websites. Keep HEIC on the phone, convert to JPG when a photo leaves the Apple world.
HEIC vs JPG Side by Side
| HEIC | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | HEIC: High Efficiency Image Container (HEIF) | JPG: JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) |
| File extension | HEIC: .heic, .heif | JPG: .jpg, .jpeg |
| How it stores data | HEIC: Lossy compression (HEVC) | JPG: Lossy compression |
| File size | HEIC: small (lossy) | JPG: small (lossy) |
| Created by | HEIC: Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), 2015 | JPG: Joint Photographic Experts Group, 1992 |
| Best for | HEIC: storing photos on an iPhone or iPad | JPG: photographs, anything that must open everywhere, small files for email and the web |
| Watch out | HEIC: Windows, Android, websites and many apps cannot open it without extra software | JPG: no transparency, and each re-save loses a little more detail |
| Opens with | HEIC: Apple Photos and Preview; Windows only with the HEIF extension installed | JPG: every browser, phone, image viewer and editor |
Choose HEIC When
- Storing photos on an iPhone, iPad or Mac
- Saving space in iCloud
Choose JPG When
- Sharing photos with Windows and Android users
- Uploading to websites, forms and print services
- Editing in software that does not read HEIC
Convert Between HEIC and JPG
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, HEIC or JPG?
HEIC stores the same photo in about half the space of a JPG, which is why iPhones use it. JPG opens everywhere; HEIC often does not open on Windows, Android or websites. Keep HEIC on the phone, convert to JPG when a photo leaves the Apple world.
When should I use HEIC?
Storing photos on an iPhone, iPad or Mac. Saving space in iCloud.
When should I use JPG?
Sharing photos with Windows and Android users. Uploading to websites, forms and print services. Editing in software that does not read HEIC.
What is HEIC?
HEIC is the format iPhones have saved photos in since iOS 11: about half the size of a JPG at the same quality. Outside Apple devices it often will not open without a conversion.
What is JPG?
JPG is the standard format for photographs: it shrinks an image to a fraction of its raw size by discarding detail the eye barely notices. Every camera, phone, browser and printer can read it.
Can I convert between HEIC and JPG?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert HEIC to JPG with the converter linked on this page.