Converting HEIC photos to JPG format on your MacBook is actually simpler than you might think, and I’ll walk you through several methods to get this done efficiently.
Using the Built-in Preview App
The quickest native solution sits right in your Preview app. Here’s how to use it:
1. Find your HEIC image and open it in Preview
2. Click “File” in the menu bar
3. Select “Export”
4. Choose “JPEG” from the Format dropdown menu
5. Click “Save”
This method works perfectly for converting individual photos, but what if you’re dealing with dozens of images?
Batch Converting Through Photos App
Here’s a super handy way to convert multiple HEIC files at once:
1. Import your HEIC images into the Photos app
2. Select all the photos you want to convert
3. Click “File” > “Export” > “Export Photos”
4. Choose “JPEG” as your format
5. Select your preferred quality setting
6. Pick a destination folder and click “Export”
Using Quick Actions in Finder
One of my favorite shortcuts that many people don’t know about is using Quick Actions:
1. Select your HEIC files in Finder
2. Right-click (or Control-click)
3. Choose “Quick Actions”
4. Select “Convert Image”
5. Pick JPEG as your format
Automating with Terminal
For the more tech-savvy users, Terminal offers a powerful solution. You can use the `sips` command to convert images:
“`
sips -s format jpeg *.HEIC –out ./JPEGs/
“`
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes you might encounter a few hiccups during conversion. If your images aren’t converting properly, try these fixes:
– Ensure your MacBook’s operating system is up to date
– Check if you have enough storage space
– Verify the HEIC files aren’t corrupted
– Close other apps that might be accessing the files
Maintaining Image Quality
One concern I often hear is about quality loss during conversion. When using the Preview or Photos app methods, always select the highest quality setting available if you want to preserve image details. While some minimal compression is inevitable when converting to JPEG, the difference is usually negligible for most purposes.
Remember, if you’re planning to share these photos online or via email, the JPEG format is still the most widely compatible option. The conversion process might take a few extra minutes of your time, but it’ll save you potential compatibility headaches down the road.
