Convert HEIC to JPG for sharing, uploading and everyday use, because JPG files are small and accepted everywhere. Convert HEIC to PNG when you want a lossless copy for editing, or when the image is a screenshot with sharp text. The picture looks the same either way at normal viewing size.
Here is how the two options compare.
On this page
Key takeaways
- JPG is many times smaller than PNG for photos.
- PNG avoids any additional compression loss, useful for repeated editing.
- Both open everywhere; HEIC does not.
- For photos, JPG is the default choice.
PNG vs JPG for iPhone photos
| HEIC to PNG | HEIC to JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy (high quality) |
| Size of a 12 MP photo | Often over 10 MB | Typically a few MB |
| Best for | Editing, screenshots | Sharing, uploads, email |
| Upload forms | Usually accepted | Always accepted |
Choose JPG when...
- You are emailing or messaging photos.
- A website asks for an image upload.
- Storage space matters.
Use HEIC to JPG.
Choose PNG when...
- You will edit the photo several times.
- The HEIC is a screenshot with small text.
- A design tool asks for PNG.
Use HEIC to PNG; the step-by-step guide explains what to expect.
Will I see a difference?
For normal viewing, almost never. A HEIC photo has already been compressed by the camera, so converting it to PNG preserves exactly that, while converting to a high-quality JPG adds a small amount of new compression that is very hard to spot. Differences only become visible after heavy editing, cropping in very close, or saving the JPG over and over.
What about storage space?
HEIC is the most compact of the three, which is why iPhones use it. A PNG of a phone photo can be many times larger than the HEIC, and a JPG somewhere in between. If you are converting a whole camera roll for backup, JPG keeps the archive manageable. Keep the original HEIC files too if you want the smallest possible copy of each photo.
Need a document rather than images? HEIC to PDF combines photos into one file.
Converting a whole camera roll
For hundreds of photos, JPG keeps the converted library manageable in size and opens on every device. Convert in batches of a few dozen at a time in the browser, especially on phones, to keep things responsive. Keep the HEIC originals as your full-quality backup.
HEIC to PNG or JPG: FAQ
Is PNG better quality than JPG for iPhone photos?
PNG avoids extra compression, but at high JPG quality the difference is hard to see.
Which is smaller?
JPG, by a large margin, for photos.
Which should I use for Instagram or email?
JPG.
Which should I use for editing?
PNG, if you plan several rounds of edits.
Can I convert to both?
Yes. The photos stay on your device, so you can run both conversions.
Should I keep the original HEIC files?
Yes, if you want the smallest full-quality copy. Convert copies for sharing or editing.
Which format is best for printing photos?
A high-quality JPG is fine for prints; print services accept it everywhere.
Do HEIC photos lose quality when converted to JPG?
Very slightly, as JPG is lossy, but at high quality it is not noticeable in normal viewing.
Can Windows open PNG and JPG without extensions?
Yes. Both formats open natively on every version of Windows.
Can I convert HEIC to PDF instead?
Yes. If you need several photos as one document, for example for an application or expense claim, HEIC to PDF puts each photo on its own page in a single file.
JPG by default, PNG for editing
For most iPhone photos, JPG is the practical choice. Reach for PNG when you need a lossless working copy.
