Comparisons
JPG vs PNG vs WebP vs HEIC: Which Image Format Should You Use?
A clear comparison of the four most common photo formats — compression, quality, transparency, compatibility and the best use for each.
· 2 min read
HEIC Converter
Convert HEIC and HEIF photos to JPG, PNG or WebP in one place — privately, in your browser, with full control over quality and metadata.
Processed locally in your browser
Converted on your device. Your photos never leave this browser.
How to use the HEIC Converter
- 1
Add HEIC photos
Drag files onto the converter or choose them from your device. You can add many at once.
- 2
Pick an output format
Choose JPG, PNG or WebP. Open Options to adjust quality, size and metadata.
- 3
Convert and download
Press Convert, then download each image or everything as a ZIP archive.
Why use this tool
- Three formats, one toolSwitch between JPG, PNG and WebP without leaving the page — convert again with one click.
- Local processingThe conversion runs on your device, so it's fast and your photos stay private.
- Metadata you controlKeep capture details, remove only GPS location, or strip all metadata before sharing.
- Accurate colour and orientationColour profiles such as Display P3 are embedded and rotation is applied correctly.
Which format should you choose?
The right output depends on what you're going to do with the photo:
| If you want to… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Share, email, print or upload anywhere | JPG | Opens on every device and in every app |
| Edit further or keep maximum quality | PNG | Lossless — no additional compression artefacts |
| Publish on a website or blog | WebP | Smaller than JPG at similar visual quality |
| Keep transparency (cut-outs, stickers) | PNG or WebP | Both support an alpha channel |
If you are unsure, pick JPG at High quality — it is the most compatible choice and looks virtually identical to the original.
What happens to quality?
HEIC and JPG are both lossy formats, so converting between them re-encodes the image. At the High setting the difference is not visible in normal viewing. Maximum keeps even more detail at the cost of larger files, while Balanced and Low trade detail for smaller files — useful for compressing photos before sending them.
PNG is lossless, so the output is an exact copy of the decoded HEIC image — but PNG files are much larger.
Metadata and privacy
Photos from phones usually contain Exif metadata: the date and time, camera model, lens and exposure settings, and — if location services were enabled for the camera — GPS coordinates. By default the converter keeps this information in the new file. Choose Remove location to strip GPS data only, or Remove all to share a photo without any metadata.
Converting in the other direction
Need to turn regular images into HEIC to save space on Apple devices? Use JPG to HEIC, PNG to HEIC or WebP to HEIC.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HEIC converter free?
Yes. Every tool on HEIC.IS is free to use, without an account or watermark.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. HEIC to JPG, PNG and WebP conversion happens entirely in your browser. Only the optional → HEIC tools use our server, and those files are deleted immediately after conversion.
Can I convert many HEIC files at once?
Yes. Add as many files as you like (up to the limit shown on the converter) and download them together as a ZIP file.
Does converting HEIC reduce quality?
Converting to JPG or WebP re-compresses the image. At the High setting the difference isn't visible in normal use. PNG is lossless if you need an exact copy.
Will the converted photo keep the date it was taken?
Yes, by default the Exif metadata — including the capture date — is copied into the new file. You can remove it with the metadata options.
Related guides
Guides
How to Convert HEIC Files Offline
Need to convert HEIC photos without an internet connection — or without sending them anywhere? Here are offline methods for Mac, Windows and Linux, and how our browser converter fits in.
· 1 min read
Guides
How to Convert HEIC Without Losing Quality
Every conversion from HEIC to JPG involves some compression — but done right, the difference is invisible. Here's how to keep quality, colours and metadata intact.
· 2 min read