Filtering photos by JPEG format directly on iPhone isn’t a built-in feature in the Photos app. While you can filter by media types like videos, selfies, or screenshots, there’s no specific option for JPEGs. This is because iPhones primarily capture photos in JPEG format by default. However, there are workarounds and alternative methods to achieve a similar result.
Understanding iPhone Photo Formats
iPhones typically save photos in two main formats:
- JPEG: The standard format for most photos, offering a good balance between image quality and file size.
- HEIC: A newer, more efficient format that saves space while maintaining high image quality. Apple adopted HEIC to optimize storage on devices.
You might also encounter RAW format if you’re using a third-party camera app that supports it. RAW files contain uncompressed image data, providing greater flexibility for editing.
Workarounds for Filtering JPEGs on iPhone
While direct filtering isn’t possible, here are some strategies to manage and identify your JPEG images:
1. Using the “Import” Feature with Image Capture on Mac
If you’re transferring photos to a Mac, you can use the Image Capture application to selectively import JPEGs. Image Capture allows you to sort images by “Kind,” enabling you to easily identify and import only the JPEG files from your iPhone. This is particularly helpful if your iPhone contains a mix of JPEG and other formats like HEIC or RAW.
Image Capture on Mac showing how to filter by file type
2. Third-Party Photo Management Apps
Explore third-party photo management apps on the App Store. Some apps may offer advanced filtering options, including the ability to filter by file format. These apps can provide a more granular level of control over your photo library.
3. Converting HEIC to JPEG
If your goal is to have all your photos in JPEG format, consider converting HEIC files to JPEG. There are several apps and online tools available for this conversion. Once converted, managing your photos becomes simpler as all files will share the same format. However, keep in mind that converting HEIC to JPEG might slightly reduce image quality and increase file size.
4. Shooting JPEG Only
If you consistently prefer JPEG, adjust your iPhone’s camera settings to capture images in JPEG only. This eliminates the need for filtering later, as all new photos will be saved in the desired format. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select “Most Compatible” to ensure JPEG capture.
Conclusion
While a direct “filter by JPEG” option is missing on iPhone, these alternative approaches provide effective ways to manage and identify your JPEG images. Choose the method that best suits your workflow and needs, whether it’s utilizing Image Capture on a Mac, exploring third-party apps, converting HEIC files, or adjusting your camera settings.
