How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Google Drive: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you dealing with HEIC images that won’t display correctly, or are you having trouble sharing them? You’re not alone. The High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIC) is a modern image format favored by Apple for its ability to store higher-quality images in smaller file sizes. While this is great for saving storage space on your iPhone or iPad, HEIC’s lack of universal compatibility can be a real headache when you need to share photos with others, upload them to websites, or view them on older devices.

Many platforms and devices still struggle to properly display HEIC files, leading to frustration and inconvenience. You might encounter situations where your photos appear as blank images or trigger error messages. The need to convert HEIC to the more universally accepted JPG format becomes essential in such scenarios.

This article is designed to be your complete guide to converting HEIC images to the widely compatible JPG format. While Google Drive doesn’t offer a direct, built-in conversion feature, we’ll explore a workaround using Google Drive alongside other convenient methods to ensure your photos are accessible to everyone, regardless of their device or operating system. We will also talk about preventing the creation of HEIC files in the first place. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user, these step-by-step instructions will empower you to easily handle HEIC images and convert them to JPG for seamless sharing and viewing.

Leveraging Google Drive for Indirect HEIC to JPG Conversion

Let’s address the main question: can you directly convert a HEIC image to JPG within Google Drive? The simple answer is no. Google Drive primarily functions as cloud storage, and while it can preview HEIC files, it lacks the built-in functionality to perform on-the-fly format conversions.

However, don’t despair! You can leverage Google Drive as a stepping stone in the conversion process. Here’s how:

First, upload your HEIC image to Google Drive. This process is straightforward and can be done from both your computer and your mobile device.

Uploading from a Computer

Open your web browser and navigate to the Google Drive website (drive.google.com).

Log in to your Google account.

Click the “New” button located in the upper-left corner of the screen.

Select “File Upload” or “Folder Upload” depending on whether you want to upload a single HEIC image or an entire folder containing HEIC images.

Browse to the location of your HEIC file(s) on your computer and select them.

Click “Open” to begin the upload process. You will see a progress indicator at the bottom-right of your screen.

Uploading from a Mobile Device (Android or iOS)

Open the Google Drive app on your mobile device. (If you don’t have it, download it from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store).

Tap the “+” (plus) button in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Select “Upload.”

Grant Google Drive access to your photos if prompted.

Browse your device’s photo library and select the HEIC image(s) you want to upload.

The image(s) will begin uploading to Google Drive.

Once the HEIC image is safely stored in your Google Drive, the next step is to download it to your computer.

Downloading the HEIC Image

Locate the HEIC image within your Google Drive. You can use the search bar to quickly find it by name.

Right-click on the HEIC image file.

Select “Download” from the context menu.

Your web browser will begin downloading the HEIC image to your computer’s default download location.

Now that you have the HEIC image on your computer, you need a dedicated HEIC to JPG converter tool. You have two primary options: online converters and offline converters. Let’s explore both:

Online HEIC to JPG Converters: Convenience at a Price

Online converters offer a convenient and readily accessible way to transform your HEIC images into JPGs. Many reputable websites offer free conversion services. Some popular choices include CloudConvert, Convertio, and iLoveIMG.

Here’s a general overview of how to use an online converter:

Visit the website of your chosen online converter.

Look for a button or area labeled “Upload,” “Select Files,” or something similar. Click on it.

Browse to the location of the downloaded HEIC image on your computer and select it.

Choose “JPG” (or “.jpg”) as the desired output format.

Click a button labeled “Convert,” “Start Conversion,” or something similar.

The website will process your image and, once the conversion is complete, provide a “Download” button. Click it to download the converted JPG file to your computer.

While online converters offer ease of use, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Consider the following:

Privacy: Avoid uploading sensitive or confidential images to online converters, as you are entrusting your data to a third-party service. Read their privacy policy carefully to understand how your data is handled.

Security: Ensure the website uses a secure (HTTPS) connection to protect your data during the upload and download process. Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.

Limitations: Free online converters often have limitations on file size, the number of conversions you can perform per day, or the quality of the output image.

Offline HEIC to JPG Converters: Greater Control and Security

If you’re concerned about privacy or need to convert HEIC images frequently, an offline converter offers a more secure and reliable solution. Several software options are available for both Windows and macOS:

Windows

CopyTrans HEIC for Windows: This free plugin allows you to view HEIC images natively in Windows Photo Viewer and convert them to JPG directly from Windows Explorer. Simply right-click on the HEIC image and select “Convert to JPG.”

Bulk Converting via Photos App Settings: The Windows 10 Photos app allows you to change a setting that automatically converts HEIC files to JPG when imported from an iPhone.

Other paid software options are also available, offering more advanced features.

macOS

Preview: macOS’s built-in Preview app can open and convert HEIC images. Open the HEIC image in Preview, go to “File” -> “Export,” and choose JPG as the output format.

ImageMagick (Command-Line Tool): This powerful command-line tool offers extensive image processing capabilities, including HEIC to JPG conversion. It requires some technical knowledge to use but provides maximum control.

Changing iPhone Camera Settings: Preventing HEIC Creation

Instead of constantly converting HEIC images, you can prevent your iPhone from creating them in the first place by adjusting the camera settings. This will make your photos instantly compatible with most devices and platforms.

Here’s how:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.

Scroll down and tap on “Camera.”

Tap on “Formats.”

Select “Most Compatible.” This will instruct your iPhone to capture photos in the JPG format instead of HEIC.

Keep in mind that choosing “Most Compatible” will result in slightly larger file sizes compared to HEIC. You’ll need to weigh the convenience of universal compatibility against the increased storage requirements.

Utilizing Google Photos as an Alternative

Google Photos, another popular Google service, can also handle HEIC files and provides an alternative, simple solution.

To convert HEIC images using Google Photos:

Upload your HEIC files to Google Photos. The service supports HEIC uploads directly from your device or computer.

Download the files. When you download an HEIC image from Google Photos to a computer or Android device, Google Photos automatically converts it to JPG during the download process. This happens transparently without requiring any extra steps from your end.

This method is convenient if you’re already using Google Photos for photo storage and management.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with these methods, you might encounter some challenges. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

Image quality loss during conversion: HEIC is a more efficient format, so some quality loss is inevitable. Choose the highest quality setting available in your converter tool to minimize this.

File size concerns: JPG compression can impact file size and image quality. Experiment with different compression settings in your converter to find the right balance.

Security concerns using online tools: Carefully vet online converters before uploading sensitive images. Read their privacy policies and ensure they use a secure connection. For highly sensitive images, stick to offline converters.

In Conclusion

Converting HEIC to JPG doesn’t have to be a daunting task. While Google Drive doesn’t offer a direct conversion feature, you can easily use it as a starting point for downloading the HEIC file and then employing either an online or offline converter to achieve the desired format change. If you’d rather avoid HEIC altogether, adjusting your iPhone’s camera settings to capture images in the more compatible JPG format is a proactive solution. Also, consider Google Photos for automatic conversion upon download.

The best method depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you only need to convert a few images occasionally, an online converter might suffice. For frequent conversions or handling sensitive images, an offline converter is a safer bet. Ultimately, understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach will empower you to effectively manage HEIC images and ensure seamless compatibility across all your devices and platforms. Now you can confidently share and view your photos without worrying about format incompatibilities.