How to Save iPhone Photos as JPEG: A Simple Guide

Your iPhone captures stunning photos, often saved in HEIC format by default. While HEIC offers superior image quality at smaller file sizes, it’s not universally compatible. Many platforms and older systems prefer the JPEG format. If you’re wondering how to save your iPhone photos as JPEG for easier sharing and broader compatibility, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through simple methods to convert your iPhone photos to JPEG on your iPhone itself, as well as on a Mac or Windows PC.

Saving as JPEG Directly on Your iPhone

The most convenient way to save iPhone photos as JPEG is right on your device. You don’t need any extra apps or complicated processes. Your iPhone has a built-in feature that automatically converts HEIC to JPEG when you copy and paste photos into the Files app. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Photos App: Locate and open the Photos app on your iPhone.

2. Select Photos: Choose the photo or photos you want to save as JPEG. Tap Select in the top right corner and then tap on each photo, or simply select a single image.

3. Copy Photos: Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing upwards) at the bottom left. In the Share Sheet, scroll down and tap Copy Photos. This action copies the selected images to your clipboard.

   A person using the share sheet on an iPhone to copy photos, preparing to save them as JPEG.

4. Open the Files App: Find and open the Files app on your iPhone.

5. Create a New Folder (Optional): Navigate to your desired location in the Files app (e.g., iCloud Drive, On My iPhone). You can create a new folder to keep your converted JPEGs organized by dragging down from the center of the screen and tapping New Folder. Name your folder and tap Done.

6. Paste Photos: Open the folder where you want to save your JPEGs. Tap and hold in an empty area within the folder. In the menu that appears, tap Paste.

   Demonstration of pasting photos into an iPhone folder within the Files app, which automatically saves them as JPEG.

Your photos will now appear in the folder you selected in the Files app, and they will be automatically converted to JPEG format. You can now share these JPEG photos directly from the Files app or move them back to your Photos app by selecting Share > Save Image.

Converting HEIC to JPEG on a Mac

If you prefer to work on your computer, converting HEIC to JPEG on a Mac is straightforward using the built-in Preview app. First, transfer your iPhone photos to your Mac. You can do this via iCloud, AirDrop, or by connecting your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable. Once your photos are on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open with Preview: Select the HEIC photo(s) you want to convert. Right-click (or Control-click) on the selected files, hover over Open With, and choose Preview.app.

   Screenshot showing how to open an iPhone HEIC photo in the Preview application on macOS.

2. Export as JPEG: In the Preview app, go to the File menu in the top menu bar and select Export.

3. Choose JPEG Format: In the Export dialog box, find the Format dropdown menu. Select JPEG (or JPG) from the list of formats.

4. Save your JPEG: Choose a location to save your converted JPEG photo and click Save. You can also adjust the image quality using the Quality slider before saving.

Changing HEIC to JPEG on a Windows PC

Converting HEIC to JPEG on a Windows PC is also possible, and the Windows Photos app provides a simple method. First, you’ll need to import your iPhone photos to your PC. Connect your iPhone to your Windows computer using a USB cable and follow the prompts to allow access to your photos. You can then import them using the Photos app. Once imported:

1. Open with Photos App: Locate the HEIC photo you want to convert on your PC. Right-click on the photo, hover over Open with, and select Photos.

2. Open Save As Dialog: In the Photos app, click the three-dot icon (…) in the top right corner to open the menu. Select Save as from the dropdown menu.

   Visual guide to finding the Save As option within the Windows 10 Photos application for converting image formats.

3. Select JPEG Format: In the Save As dialog box, look for the Save as type dropdown menu. Click on it and choose *JPEG (.jpg)** from the available options.

4. Save your JPEG: Choose a location to save your JPEG file and click Save. Windows will then convert your HEIC photo to JPEG format and save it in your chosen location.

By following these simple steps, you can easily save your iPhone photos as JPEG, ensuring they are compatible with a wider range of devices and platforms. Whether you are working directly on your iPhone, using a Mac, or a Windows PC, converting HEIC to JPEG is a quick and efficient process.