Comparisons
HEIC vs JPEG: The Technical Differences Explained
A deeper look at how HEIC and JPEG actually differ — compression method, colour depth, HDR, metadata, containers and why JPG and JPEG are the same thing.
· 3 min read
JPG to HEIC Converter
Convert JPG photos to HEIC to save storage space on Apple devices. Encoded with libheif and x265 — files are deleted right after conversion.
Processed on a secure server, deleted immediately
This conversion runs on our server
Browsers cannot create HEIC files yet, so images are sent over HTTPS, converted in memory and deleted as soon as the result is returned. We never store or look at your images.
Encrypted upload, converted in memory and deleted immediately. Nothing is stored.
How to use the JPG to HEIC
- 1
Add JPG images
Drop .jpg or .jpeg files onto the converter or choose them from your device.
- 2
Choose quality
High is the default. Lower settings create smaller HEIC files.
- 3
Convert and download
Files are sent securely, converted and returned. Download them individually or as a ZIP.
Why use this tool
- Smaller filesHEIC typically needs less space than JPG for similar visual quality.
- Native on Apple devicesHEIC images open in Photos, Preview and Files on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
- Orientation fixedExif rotation is applied to the pixels so images appear upright everywhere.
- Transparent processingImages are processed in memory and deleted immediately. Nothing is stored or reviewed.
Why convert JPG to HEIC?
HEIC uses HEVC compression, which is more efficient than JPEG. Converting a photo library to HEIC can reduce the storage it needs while keeping quality similar — useful if you keep large photo collections on an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Keep in mind that HEIC is less compatible than JPG. Convert to HEIC for storage in the Apple ecosystem, and keep JPG for sharing with others.
How this conversion works
Web browsers can decode images, but none can yet encode HEIC files. That's why this tool, unlike our HEIC → JPG converters, uses a server:
- Your image is sent over an encrypted HTTPS connection.
- It is checked (file signature, size and dimensions), orientation is applied and it is encoded with libheif and the x265 HEVC encoder.
- The HEIC file is returned to your browser and every temporary file is deleted immediately.
We don't store, log or look at your images. See the privacy policy for details.
Will quality be lost?
Re-encoding a JPG as HEIC is a lossy step. At the High setting the result is visually very close to the source. Converting back and forth repeatedly between lossy formats gradually reduces quality, so keep your original files if you may need them later.
Metadata
Date, camera and other Exif details are preserved by default. Choose Remove location or Remove all in Options to share images without GPS data or metadata.
Frequently asked questions
Is JPG to HEIC conversion done in my browser?
No — browsers can't create HEIC files yet, so images are encoded on our server. They are processed in memory and deleted immediately after conversion.
How much space does HEIC save compared with JPG?
It varies by image, but HEIC generally needs less space than JPG at similar quality. Results depend on the image content and the quality setting.
Can Windows open the HEIC files?
Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC after installing the HEIF and HEVC extensions from the Microsoft Store. For universal compatibility, keep a JPG copy.
Is the Exif data kept?
Yes, by default. You can remove location data or all metadata in Options.
Related guides
Comparisons
HEIC vs JPG: Which Photo Format Should You Use?
A practical comparison of HEIC and JPG — file size, quality, compatibility and features — with clear advice on when to keep HEIC and when to convert to JPG.
· 2 min read