HEIC files have become a common sight for iPhone and iPad users. Apple adopted the format to keep photos high in quality while taking up less space compared to JPEGs. But sometimes, even HEIC files are too large—whether you’re trying to free up storage, send images via email, or upload them to a website with file size restrictions. Compressing HEIC files can help, and there are several ways to do it efficiently.

Let’s explore the best options, but first, let’s figure out what a HEIC file even means.

What Is a HEIC File?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container/Coding) is a modern image format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) as part of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard. Adopted by Apple in 2017 as the default for iOS and macOS devices, HEIC offers pretty big advantages over traditional formats like JPEG. Yet, it may face some compatibility challenges.

HEIC files are approximately 50% smaller than equivalent-quality JPEGs due to HEVC (H.265) encoding, which enables efficient storage without compromising visual fidelity. Another advantage of HEIC is that it supports over 16 million colors (vs. JPEG’s 8-bit), thus enhancing gradients and subtle color transitions. A single HEIC file can store bursts, image sequences, or layered edits (e.g., Live Photos), reducing clutter and retaining original data during adjustments like cropping or rotation, avoiding quality loss.

HEIC vs. JPEG: Difference & Which Is Better?

To answer the “which is better” question, we need to understand what you need these photos for, so we think you can figure it out on your own by taking a look at this cheat sheet:

How to Compress HEIC Files with 4K Image Compressor (Recommended for Mac, Windows & Ubuntu)

For a quick and effective solution, 4K Image Compressor is a top choice. This tool is designed to shrink image sizes without noticeable quality loss. Unlike online tools with limitations or manual methods that can be tedious, 4K Image Compressor handles the task smoothly. In addition to HEIC optimization, 4K Image Compressor can reduce the sizes of PDF, JPG, WEBP, and PNG.

Here’s how to use it:

Download and install 4K Image Compressor on your computer.
Launch the software.
Choose the Format -> Same as Input and drag your HEIC files into the interface.

Adjust compression settings to find the right balance between quality and size.

Click Compress, then open the smaller HEIC files.

With batch processing and offline functionality, it’s a practical choice for users who need consistent, high-quality results without relying on internet-based services.

How Do I Compress HEIC Files to JPG or PNG?

Luckily, 4K Image Compressor can help with that, too, as it’s a conversion tool as well as a compression solution. Here’s how:

Open 4K Image Compressor on your device.
Drag your HEIC files into the interface.
Select JPEG or PNG as the output format.

Adjust compression settings to find the right balance between quality and size.
Click Compress.

How Do I Convert Multiple HEIC Files to JPG on Windows & Mac?

Since 4K Image Compressor supports batch compression and is compatible with various OS, this tool is perfectly capable of converting multiple HEIC files to JPG on any OS, Windows and Mac included. To do that, simply follow the steps we mentioned above as they’re similar on any OS.

How to Reduce the Size of a HEIC File with an Online Compression Tool

If you prefer a web-based option, several online HEIC compressors can get the job done. These tools are handy when you don’t want to install software, though they often come with drawbacks like file size limits and potential privacy concerns.

How to compress a HEIC file online:

Open a trusted HEIC compression website.
Upload your HEIC files.
Select compression preferences.
Wait for the compression to finish, then download your optimized files.

While convenient, online tools aren’t always the best for handling multiple images or preserving top-tier quality. Let alone their questionable safety.

How to Compress HEIC Files Using Preview on Mac

Mac users can shrink HEIC files without extra software by using Preview, a built-in application. This method works well for basic compression but may reduce image quality depending on the settings. Here’s how to get the job done:

Open the HEIC file in Preview.
Click File > Export.
Choose HEIC as the format and adjust the Quality slider.
Save the file to your desired location.

This is a quick fix, but if you need more control over the compression process, dedicated tools like 4K Image Compressor offer better flexibility.

With Preview, you can also convert any HEIC file to JPG or PNG. Here’s how.

Convert HEIC to JPG on MacOS using Preview

Basically, the steps are the same; just instead of choosing the HEIC format in step 3, pick JPEG or PNG.

Open the HEIC file in Preview.
Click on File in the menu bar, then select Export.
In the dropdown menu, choose JPEG or PNG from this list.
Choose your desired save location and tap Save.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on an iPhone

To convert HEIC to JPG directly on your iPhone, simply find the HEIC file you wish to convert. Then, click on the ‘Share’ button and choose to copy the photo. It will then be copied to the JPEG folder on your iPhone as a JPG.

Additionally, you can change the default format to JPG:

Open Settings → Camera → Formats.
Select Most Compatible (JPG) instead of High Efficiency (HEIC). All new photos will now be saved as JPG.

But note that HEIC offers better compression, so this increases storage usage.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on an Android

Converting HEIC files to JPG on Android requires third-party apps or online tools due to limited native support. One of the efficient ways is the Luma app, which is a perfect way if you’re looking for a tool for offline use and batch conversion. Note, though, that it’s limited to internal storage access.

Install Luma from Google Play.
Open the app and select HEIC to JPG.
Tap the + icon to choose files or folders.
Click Save to convert and store JPGs locally.

Some other ways may include online solutions, which can be accessed both from a smartphone and a computer browser.

Which HEIC Compression Method Is Best?

The best approach depends on your needs. If you want an offline, fast, and high-quality way to shrink HEIC files, 4K Image Compressor is the way to go. Online tools work for occasional use but come with limitations. Mac’s Preview app is a simple option, and conversion is helpful when you need JPEG or PNG instead of HEIC.

For the best balance of convenience and performance, download 4K Image Compressor today and make HEIC compression effortless.