Copy photos off an iPhone and you'll often get a folder of .heic files. HEIC is Apple's space-saving photo format, and the iPhone has used it by default since iOS 11. It works fine on Apple devices, but many Windows apps, websites and print services still want JPG.
There are three easy fixes:
- Convert in the browser. Convert HEIC to JPG is free and doesn't need a signup. The conversion runs on your own device, so your photos aren't uploaded anywhere. You can drop in a batch and download JPGs, PNGs or WebPs.
- Teach Windows to read HEIC. Install "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store, along with HEVC Video Extensions if Windows asks for it. Photos can then open the files, and Paint can save them as JPEG.
- Stop it at the source. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose "Most Compatible". New photos will be saved as JPG, but they'll take up more space.
On a Mac, Preview already opens HEIC: use File > Export and choose JPEG.