How to Batch Convert HEIC Files | Efficiently Convert Hundreds of iPhone Photos to JPG

Took hundreds of photos on your iPhone during a trip or event, only to find they're all in HEIC format? This guide shows you how to efficiently batch convert large numbers of HEIC files to JPG.

Best Methods for Batch Conversion

Method 1: Batch Convert with an Online Tool (Recommended)

The easiest approach is to use an online tool that supports multi-file batch conversion.

Batch conversion steps:

1. Go to sakutto's HEIC converter
2. Select all the HEIC files you want to convert and drag & drop them
3. Choose the output format (JPG/PNG) and quality setting
4. Click "Start Conversion"
5. Click "Download as ZIP" to get all files at once

Method 2: Use iPhone's Transfer Settings

To make future photo transfers easier, you can change your iPhone's settings.

1. Open "Settings" → "Photos"
2. Under "Transfer to Mac or PC," select "Automatic"

This automatically converts photos to JPG when transferring to a PC. However, it does not apply to HEIC files already on your computer.

Method 3: Use macOS Automator (Mac Only)

Mac users can create a batch conversion workflow using Automator.

1. Open Automator and select "Quick Action"
2. Add the "Change Type of Images" action
3. Set the output format to "JPEG"
4. Save the workflow

From then on, you can right-click HEIC files and convert them via "Quick Actions."

Recommended Settings for Large Batches

Quality Settings

File Size Estimates

Important Notes for Large Batches

Note 1: Watch Your Device Memory

Browser-based tools depend on your device's RAM. Here are recommended batch sizes:

• Smartphones: 10–20 files at a time
• Laptops (8 GB RAM): 30–50 files at a time
• Desktops (16 GB+ RAM): 50–100 files at a time

Note 2: Check Your Storage Space

JPG files are larger than HEIC, so you need enough free space for the converted files. For example, converting 100 HEIC files (totaling 300 MB) to JPG requires roughly 500 MB of free storage.

Note 3: File Name Management

Converted files retain their original names — only the extension changes from .heic to .jpg. Organizing them into folders after conversion makes file management easier.

Efficient Conversion Workflow

Here is a streamlined workflow for converting a large number of photos:

1. Organize: Gather all HEIC files you want to convert into one folder
2. Split into batches: Divide them into groups of 20–50
3. Convert: Drag & drop each batch into the tool and convert
4. Download as ZIP: Download each batch's results as a ZIP file
5. Extract & organize: Unzip and move files to their final destination
6. Verify: Spot-check a few files to confirm quality

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the quality the same when batch converting vs. converting one at a time?

Yes. Batch conversion uses the same compression algorithm and quality settings as single-file conversion, so there is no difference in output quality.

What happens if I close the browser mid-conversion?

The conversion process stops, but your original HEIC files are unaffected. Simply re-add the files and start the conversion again.

What if the ZIP download stalls halfway?

This can happen with a large number of files or an unstable network. Try downloading files individually, or reduce the batch size and try again.

Can I rename files in bulk during conversion?

sakutto's HEIC converter preserves the original file names and only changes the extension from .heic to .jpg. If you need to rename files in bulk, use your operating system's batch rename feature after conversion.

Summary

For batch converting large numbers of HEIC files, a multi-file online tool is the most efficient option. Convert files in batches sized to your device's memory, download as ZIP, and you can efficiently convert hundreds of photos to JPG.