HEIC vs JPG
HEIC is smaller, JPG is more compatible. Compare the two photo formats and learn which to use for your iPhone photos.
HEIC wins on size and quality, JPG wins on universal compatibility. Use JPG for sharing, HEIC for storage.
How it works
The short answer
HEIC stores photos at about half the size of JPG with equal or better quality. JPG is supported by almost everything, which makes it the format for sharing. Use JPG when you share or upload, and HEIC when you keep photos on Apple devices.
Size and quality
HEIC uses modern compression, so it produces smaller files than JPG at the same quality, which is why iPhones use it by default. If storage matters, HEIC is the clear winner for photo libraries, letting you keep far more photos in the same space.
Compatibility
JPG opens in every camera, browser, app and printer ever made. HEIC does not, so older computers, some websites and certain apps cannot read it. That is the main reason people convert HEIC to JPG before sharing.
Editing
Both formats are lossy, so repeated editing degrades them. For editing, export to a lossless format such as PNG to avoid quality loss, and keep the original HEIC as your high quality source.
The practical rule
Keep HEIC as your efficient iPhone original for storage. Convert to JPG whenever a photo has to leave your device or be opened in unknown software, and choose JPG for the safest sharing.
Format comparison
| Format | Compression | Transparency | Browser support | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEIC.heic | Lossy (discards some detail) | No | n/a | High-efficiency photos from iPhones and modern cameras |
| JPG.jpg | Lossy (discards some detail) | No | All browsers and devices | Photographs and images with smooth color gradients |
Frequently asked questions
Is HEIC better than JPG?
HEIC is smaller for the same quality, but JPG is supported far more widely. Pick based on whether storage or compatibility matters more.
Should I convert HEIC to JPG?
Yes, when you need to share or open the photo on a device that does not support HEIC. Use the HEIC to JPG converter here.
Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?
JPG is lossy, so the conversion discards some detail. Keep the HEIC original if you might edit it again.
Why does my iPhone save HEIC files?
iPhones default to HEIC because it stores photos at about half the size of JPG with the same quality, saving space.