iPhone Converter Guide: Convert HEIC, HEVC, MP4, and More EasilyMobile devices use many different file formats to optimize image quality, video size, and battery/network efficiency. That’s great for performance, but it can create compatibility headaches when you want to open or share files with someone who uses a different device, app, or platform. This guide explains the most common iPhone file formats (HEIC, HEVC, MP4, and more), why they exist, and the simplest, safest ways to convert them on your iPhone or between your iPhone and other devices.
Why Apple uses HEIC and HEVC
- HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container): Apple adopted HEIC (part of the HEIF family) to store images with better compression than JPEG while preserving higher image quality and supporting multiple images or live photos in a single file. HEIC files are typically smaller than equivalent-quality JPEGs.
- HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding / H.265): HEVC provides better compression than H.264 (AVC), which means smaller file sizes for the same video quality—helpful for 4K recordings and preserving storage and bandwidth.
- Benefit summary: smaller files, higher quality, extra features (like multiple images, depth maps, and animations).
Common formats you’ll encounter
- HEIC / HEIF — images (often Live Photos, depth data, animation frames)
- HEVC / H.265 — videos (used for high-resolution and HDR recordings)
- JPEG / JPG — universal image format (wide compatibility)
- PNG — lossless images, good for screenshots and graphics
- MP4 / H.264 — broadly compatible video format (most devices and web platforms)
- MOV — Apple’s QuickTime container, often used for high-quality video and multiple tracks (audio, metadata)
- GIF — simple animated images (limited color depth)
- TIFF — high-quality, sometimes used in professional photography workflows
How to check what format your photos and videos use
- Open Photos and tap an item.
- Swipe up or tap the info (i) button to see basic metadata.
- For more detail: share the file to the Files app and check its extension, or use a third-party metadata viewer app to inspect codec and container details.
Converting files on iPhone — built-in options
- Camera and Photos settings:
- To avoid HEIC/HEVC when you need compatibility: Settings > Camera > Formats > choose Most Compatible. This makes new images/videos use JPEG/H.264.
- For existing files, iOS can automatically convert when sharing: when you AirDrop or email, iOS may convert HEIC to JPEG or HEVC to H.264 depending on the recipient and method.
- Share sheet conversion:
- Use the Share button > choose non-HEIC-friendly app (Mail, Messages, Notes), and iOS often converts the image to JPEG behind the scenes.
- Files app:
- Copy and paste or duplicate files into different apps; conversion depends on the target app’s handling.
Using Shortcuts for custom conversions (powerful and free)
Apple’s Shortcuts app lets you build automated conversion workflows:
- Create a shortcut to convert HEIC to JPEG:
- Action: Get Latest Photos (or Ask When Run)
- Action: Convert Image (set Format: JPEG, Quality)
- Action: Save File / Share
- Create a shortcut to convert HEVC to MP4:
- Action: Get File
- Action: Encode Media (choose Video Format: H.264) — if not present, use third-party apps via Shortcuts
- Action: Save File / Share
- Shortcuts are useful for batch conversion, custom naming, and automated upload to cloud storage.
Best third-party apps for conversions (iOS)
- iMazing HEIC Converter (desktop + companion workflows) — quick HEIC → JPEG, preserves metadata.
- The built-in Files + Quick Look approach for simple saves works, but for more control consider:
- LumaFusion — powerful video editor that exports to MP4/H.264/H.265 with codec/bitrate controls.
- Video Converter apps (search “video converter” in the App Store) — many convert HEVC ↔ H.264, container changes (MOV ↔ MP4), and adjust resolution/bitrate.
- “HEIC to JPEG” converter apps — straightforward single-tap conversions, some batch support. When picking an app, check reviews for privacy (avoid apps that upload your files to unknown servers unless you explicitly want cloud conversion).
Convert on a Mac or PC (recommended for bulk or high-control jobs)
- Mac (macOS):
- Preview: open HEIC → File > Export… > choose JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.
- Photos app: Export > Export Unmodified Original for compatibility, or Export X Photos > choose file type and quality.
- QuickTime / Final Cut Pro / Compressor: convert video formats, transcode HEVC to H.264 or vice versa, set bitrate and resolution.
- Windows:
- Microsoft Photos app can view HEIC with an extension; use tools like CopyTrans HEIC, or convert with desktop converters.
- VLC and HandBrake (free): HandBrake transcodes between H.264 and H.265 and controls bitrate/resolution—great for MP4 output.
- Linux:
- ImageMagick, ffmpeg: powerful CLI tools for mass conversion.
- ffmpeg examples:
- Convert HEVC (MOV) to H.264 MP4:
ffmpeg -i input.mov -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -preset medium -c:a aac -b:a 128k output.mp4 - Convert HEIC to JPEG:
magick input.heic output.jpg
- Convert HEVC (MOV) to H.264 MP4:
Quick, safe workflows by scenario
- Sharing photos with older phones or web services:
- Option 1 (quick): Share via Mail or Messages — iOS often converts to JPEG automatically.
- Option 2 (control): In Photos, Export > Save as JPEG (via Mac), or use a Shortcuts conversion to JPEG before sending.
- Uploading video to YouTube or a website:
- Export from iPhone in H.264/MP4 if site needs broad compatibility; use LumaFusion or HandBrake to adjust bitrate and resolution.
- Archival storage:
- Keep originals (HEIC/HEVC) for quality and re-export as needed. Store JPEG/MP4 copies for compatibility.
- Editing on desktop:
- Transfer originals to macOS Photos or import into editing apps that support HEIC/HEVC for best results.
Tips to preserve quality and metadata
- Keep originals: always archive the unmodified HEIC/HEVC files if space permits.
- When converting, prefer adjustable-quality tools (choose a low CRF in ffmpeg or higher quality export in apps) to avoid unnecessary re-compression loss.
- Preserve metadata (EXIF, location) by selecting export options that include metadata or using tools known to keep it.
- For batch jobs, use desktop tools (HandBrake, ffmpeg, ImageMagick) for speed and precision.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Recipient sees a blank/unsupported file:
- Ensure you send a JPEG or MP4/H.264; use Mail or conversion shortcut if unsure.
- File size unexpectedly large after conversion:
- Check export settings — quality/bitrate might be set very high; reduce bitrate or increase compression slightly.
- Live Photos or multi-frame HEICs lose motion:
- Export as Live Photo or convert to Motion Photo/GIF if you want the animation preserved; some converters flatten to a single JPEG.
- Color/HDR differences:
- HEVC video may have HDR metadata; converting to H.264 could change color appearance—use tools that handle color profiles or export with appropriate color-management settings.
Privacy and safety reminders
- Prefer local conversion (Shortcuts, iOS apps, desktop tools) if files are private. Avoid free “cloud” converters unless you trust their privacy policy.
- Check app permissions and reviews; if an app uploads files for processing, make sure you’re comfortable with that handling.
Appendix: Handy Shortcuts and ffmpeg command examples
- Shortcuts (HEIC → JPEG):
- Use “Get Latest Photos” → “Convert Image” (Format: JPEG, Quality: 90) → “Save File” or “Share”.
- ffmpeg commands:
- HEVC to H.264 MP4:
ffmpeg -i input.hevc -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -preset medium -c:a aac -b:a 160k output.mp4 - Reduce resolution and convert:
ffmpeg -i input.mov -vf "scale=1280:-2" -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -preset fast -c:a aac output_720p.mp4
- HEVC to H.264 MP4:
Converting iPhone files doesn’t have to be confusing: choose the right tool for the job (Shortcuts for quick local tasks, dedicated apps for editing, or desktop tools for bulk/high-quality transcodes), keep originals, and export to JPEG/MP4/H.264 when broad compatibility is needed.
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