Converting HEIC Files to JPEG/PNG for Windows

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Coding) is the default image format for iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 and later. While it offers better compression and quality, the HEIC file format is not natively supported by many Windows applications. This may result in errors when attempting to open these files on a PC that does not have the correct software to view and edit these files.

RHS computers have GIMP available for installation in Software Center. GIMP is capable of opening and editing HEIC files. To install GIMP and view/edit your HEIC file format images, follow the steps below. 

Installing GIMP and Opening / Editing HEIC Image Files

Installing GIMP Via Software Center

1. Open the Windows Start Menu and type "Software Center" to search for the Software Center application. Open Software Center.
2. Go to Software Center and select GIMP from the Applications Tab.
3. Before installing the GIMP application, save any work and close any other programs as the machine may automatically restart without warning.
4. Click "install" to install GIMP from Software Center, and wait for the installation to complete.
5. After installation is complete, you can then open GIMP by clicking on the Windows Start Menu, and typing 'GIMP' to search for the application. Click on it to open.
6. Inside GIMP, you can open an HEIC file by selecting "File" at the top of the program, then choose "Open", then select your file. The file can then be edited and saved in a different format inside GIMP. For more detailed instructions, see the sections below.

Converting HEIC Photos Guide

1. Search “GIMP” in the Type here to search bar in the bottom left and click the Application.
2. Click "File" in the top left and open. Choose the file you would like to convert from File Explorer.
3. You will now see your photo. Click on File again and then “Export as”. A new window will appear.
4. In the name field, backspace the file extension and replace it with the one desired. In this case, it is .jpg. Now click export.
5. A new window will appear, click Export.
6. You have successfully converted the file in the same location as the original file.

How to Set GIMP as the Default Application to Open HEIC Files

1. Right click .HEIC File
2. Open with
3. Choose Another App
4. Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs and Choose GIMP.
5. Now, right click and choose Open With.
6. Choose another app
7. Choose GIMP and check the “Always use this app to open .heic files".

Change Phone Settings to Automatically Save Photos as JPEG - Apple & iOS Devices

Why do this?

By default, iPhones use the HEIC format to save space. If you prefer your photos to be easily viewable on Windows without converting them, you can alter your device's settings to automatically use the JPEG file format instead by default.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
3. Tap Formats.
4. Select Most Compatible.

This setting ensures that new photos will be saved as JPEG instead of HEIC.

Change Phone Settings to Automatically Save Photos as JPEG - Android Devices

Why do this?

Some newer Android phones (especially Samsung and Google Pixel) also use HEIC/HEIF for better compression. To ensure your photos are easily viewable on Windows, you can alter your device's settings to automatically use the JPEG file format instead by default.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Samsung Galaxy Example):

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the gear icon ⚙️ (Settings) in the top-left or top-right corner.
3. Scroll down to Picture formats or Advanced picture options.
4. Toggle off High Efficiency Pictures (HEIF) or select JPEG as the default format.

Note: The exact menu names may vary slightly depending on your Android version and device brand.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Google Pixel Example)

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the Settings gear ⚙️.
3. Go to Advanced.
4. Find Store videos efficiently or HEVC/HEIF format and toggle it off.