How to Compress HEIC Files

Reduce HEIC file sizes for email attachments, web uploads, or freeing up storage — without sacrificing more quality than necessary.

Quick Answer

HEIC files are already highly compressed. For further size reduction, convert to JPG with our free tool and use the quality slider: set it to 0.75–0.85 for the best balance of size and quality. A lower quality setting usually creates a smaller JPG, so compare the downloaded image before deleting the HEIC original.

Drop HEIC files here

or click to browse — supports .heic, .heif, .zip

80%

Leave blank to keep the original dimensions. Proportions stay the same; smaller photos are not enlarged.

Understanding HEIC File Sizes

HEIC is already one of the most compressed photo formats available. A typical iPhone 15 Pro photo in HEIC format is 3–6 MB, compared to 6–12 MB if saved as JPG. So if you're starting from HEIC, you're already working with a compressed file.

However, there are scenarios where you need to reduce file size further:

  • Email providers limit attachments (Gmail: 25 MB, Outlook: 20 MB)
  • Website upload limits (many limit images to 2–5 MB per file)
  • Messaging apps compress images — sending a smaller file preserves quality
  • Freeing up iCloud storage or local device storage
  • Preparing images for web pages where load speed matters

Method 1: ConvertHEIC Quality Slider (Recommended)

Our free converter lets you choose exactly how much compression to apply when converting HEIC to JPG.

1

Use the tool above

Choose your files in the tool on this page. It works in your browser without sign-up or installation.

2

Upload your HEIC files

Drag and drop files or click to browse. You can upload multiple HEIC files at once, or even a ZIP file containing HEIC photos.

3

Set the quality slider

The quality slider controls the JPG compression level. See the guide below for recommended settings based on your use case.

4

Download compressed files

Download individual JPG files or click Download All to get a ZIP with all compressed images.

Quality Slider Reference Guide

1.0 (Maximum)
Usually the largest JPG
Archival, professional editing
Least added JPEG compression
0.9 (High)
Often smaller than 1.0
Printing, high-quality sharing
Highest JPG setting
0.8 (Good)
Smaller, image-dependent
General sharing, web upload
Check fine texture at 100%
0.7 (Medium)
Smaller again, not a fixed size
Email, messaging
Artifacts may appear in detail
0.6 (Low)
0.4–0.8 MB
Thumbnails, web previews
Noticeable on close inspection

Method 2: Reduce File Size at Capture (iPhone Settings)

The most efficient way to manage HEIC file sizes is to adjust camera settings before shooting — preventing large files rather than compressing them after.

Lower Camera Resolution

  1. Go to Settings → Camera.
  2. Tap Record Video (for reference) or look for Photo Capture Outside the Frame settings.
  3. On iPhone 14 Pro and later: go to Settings → Camera → Formats and disable ProRAW & Resolution Control or set to 12MP instead of 48MP.

Shooting at 12MP instead of 48MP usually creates smaller HEIC files. The lower resolution can still be sufficient for normal viewing, but it retains less detail for cropping or large prints.

Disable Live Photos

A Live Photo includes a still image plus a paired short video resource, so a library of Live Photos uses more storage than still photos alone. The video is not simply embedded in every HEIC file. Tap the Live Photos button (concentric circles) in the Camera app to disable capture, or go to Settings → Camera → Preserve Settings to keep it off permanently.

Method 3: Mac Preview — Export with Custom Quality

Mac's built-in Preview app reads HEIC files natively and lets you export with a quality slider — useful if you're already on a Mac and want to keep everything local.

  1. Open your HEIC file in Preview.
  2. Go to File → Export (not "Export as PDF").
  3. Set Format to JPEG.
  4. Drag the Quality slider to your target (around 70–80% for size reduction).
  5. Click Save.

For batch compression in Preview: select multiple HEIC files in Finder, right-click → Open With → Preview. Then File → Export Selected Images → JPEG → adjust quality.

HEIC Compression Questions

Can I compress HEIC without converting to JPG?
On iPhone and Mac, you can re-encode HEIC at lower resolution (changing camera settings or exporting at smaller dimensions). However, most compression tools work by converting to JPG, which gives you the most control over the output quality/size ratio.
How small can I make a HEIC photo?
There is no fixed result size for a given quality setting. Pixel dimensions, detail, noise, edits, and browser encoding all affect the JPG. Lower the quality in small steps, then compare both the downloaded size and important visual detail against the destination's requirement.
Does compressing HEIC affect metadata (EXIF data)?
The converted JPG may not retain EXIF metadata such as the capture date, camera model, or GPS location. Keep the original HEIC file and check the downloaded JPG before relying on its metadata.
Is there a free way to batch compress HEIC files?
Yes — ConvertHEIC.org supports batch HEIC upload (including ZIP files containing HEIC photos). Set the quality slider once and all files are converted at that quality. On Mac, Preview's 'Export Selected Images' also handles batch compression for free.
Why is my HEIC file larger than expected?
File size changes with resolution, detail, noise, HDR data, edits, and camera settings. High-resolution capture can create a much larger HEIC than a normal 12 MP photo, but there is no dependable size range for every image. Check Settings → Camera → Formats and preserve the original before changing capture settings.

HEIC, HEVC, resolution, and Live Photo behavior were last checked in September 2026 against Apple's HEIF and HEVC guidance and Apple's Live Photos guide. Output size remains image-dependent, so the downloaded JPG is the source of truth.

Compress HEIC Files Now

Use the quality slider to balance JPG file size and visible detail, then check the result before deleting the HEIC original.

Create and Compare a JPG

Reduce a photo for sharing

Compress HEIC files by creating smaller JPG copies

This tool is for people who need a smaller delivery copy of an iPhone photo and want to control JPG quality without changing the original HEIC file.

This tool does not recompress the HEIC file itself. It converts HEIC to JPG and lets you lower JPG quality, which can create a more compatible file with a smaller size for the destination.

When a smaller JPG is useful

  • A destination has a file-size limit that the current photo exceeds.
  • A form accepts JPG but needs a lighter upload than the source photo.
  • A website needs lighter photo assets than the original iPhone files.
  • Several photos need one consistent quality choice before they are shared.

Find the lowest acceptable JPG size

  • Start with a relatively high quality setting and inspect one result before lowering it.
  • Use the actual destination limit as the target instead of compressing more than necessary.
  • Check faces, text, fine patterns, and dark gradients because compression artifacts can appear there first.
  • Keep the original HEIC files and avoid repeatedly saving the same JPG at lower quality.

File size cannot be promised in advance

The final JPG size depends on photo dimensions, image detail, and the selected quality. The slider controls JPG encoding quality, not an exact kilobyte target. If a result is still too large, lower quality gradually or resize it later with an image editor; the converter does not resize image dimensions.

Does this compress the original HEIC file?

No. It creates a new JPG copy at the quality you choose and leaves the selected HEIC or HEIF file unchanged.

Which quality setting should I use?

There is no single best value. Start high, check the image and file size, then lower the setting only until the result meets the destination limit.

Can I compress several HEIC files together?

Yes. Add multiple files or a ZIP, apply the JPG quality setting, and download the results individually or in a ZIP.

Create a smaller, compatible photo copy

Add HEIC files, adjust JPG quality, and compare the downloaded result with your upload or attachment limit.

Create a Smaller JPG

More Ways to Prepare HEIC Photos

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