Image Format Converter Guide: HEIC, WebP, PNG, JPG (2025)

TL;DR: Convert HEIC to JPG for Windows compatibility, WebP to JPG for universal support, PNG to JPG to reduce file size, and JPG to PNG for transparency. Use our free converters: HEIC to JPG, WebP to JPG, PNG to JPG, and JPG to PNG for instant browser-based conversion.

Confused about image formats? Each format serves a specific purpose, and knowing when to convert between them is essential for compatibility, file size, and image quality.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything about converting HEIC, WebP, PNG, and JPG formats, including when to use each format, conversion methods, and optimization strategies.

Understanding Image Formats: Quick Comparison

Before diving into conversion, let's understand each format:

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container)

What is HEIC?

• Apple's default photo format since iOS 11
• Uses HEVC (H.265) compression
• 50% smaller files than JPG with same quality
• Supports transparency, 16-bit color, and live photos

Pros: ✅ Excellent compression (smaller files) ✅ Superior quality retention ✅ Supports HDR and depth maps ✅ Multiple images in one file

Cons: ❌ Limited compatibility (Windows, Android struggle) ❌ Not supported by many photo editors ❌ Can't upload to some websites ❌ Requires conversion for sharing

WebP (Web Picture Format)

What is WebP?

• Google's modern image format for the web
• 25-35% smaller than JPG/PNG with same quality
• Supports both lossy and lossless compression
• Transparency support like PNG

Pros: ✅ Best compression efficiency ✅ Fast loading on websites ✅ Supports transparency and animation ✅ Both lossy and lossless modes

Cons: ❌ Limited support in older browsers ❌ Not supported by all image editors ❌ Requires conversion for compatibility ❌ Some social media platforms don't accept WebP

Browser Support (2025): Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (all modern versions) (source)

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

What is PNG?

• Lossless compression format
• Perfect transparency support
• Best for graphics, logos, and screenshots
• Larger file sizes than JPG

Pros: ✅ Lossless quality (no degradation) ✅ Full transparency support ✅ Great for text and graphics ✅ Universal compatibility

Cons: ❌ Larger file sizes than JPG ❌ Not ideal for photographs ❌ Slower web loading ❌ No EXIF data support

Best For: Logos, icons, screenshots, graphics with text, images requiring transparency (source)

JPG/JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

What is JPG?

• Most universal image format
• Lossy compression (loses quality when edited)
• Excellent for photographs
• Supported everywhere

Pros: ✅ Universal compatibility ✅ Small file sizes for photos ✅ Works on all devices and platforms ✅ Wide software support

Cons: ❌ Lossy compression (quality loss) ❌ No transparency support ❌ Degrades with each edit ❌ Not ideal for graphics with text

Best For: Photographs, realistic images, web images, email attachments, printing photos (source)

Quick Decision Chart:

Choose Format Based on:
├── iPhone photos for Windows → Convert HEIC to JPG
├── Website images (modern) → Keep WebP
├── Website images (compatibility) → Convert WebP to JPG
├── Logo with transparency → Use PNG (or convert JPG to PNG)
├── Photo for web/email → Use JPG (or convert PNG to JPG)
├── Screenshot with text → Use PNG
├── Print photography → Use JPG (high quality)
└── Graphic design → Use PNG

Part 1: Convert HEIC to JPG (iPhone Photos)

Why Convert HEIC to JPG?

The Problem: iPhone takes photos in HEIC format, but Windows PCs and many websites can't open them.

The Solution: Convert HEIC to JPG for universal compatibility.

Method 1: Free Online HEIC to JPG Converter

Using CreatorFormat HEIC to JPG Tool:

1. Visit our HEIC to JPG Converter
2. Upload your HEIC photo (drag & drop or browse)
3. Convert - Processing happens instantly in your browser
4. Download converted JPG file
5. View file size comparison

Example Results:

• Original HEIC: 2.5 MB
• Converted JPG: 3.2 MB (28% larger, but universally compatible)

Note: JPG files are often larger because HEIC uses superior compression. The trade-off is worth it for compatibility.

Best For: Quick conversions, single photos, privacy (no upload to servers)

Method 2: Windows Native Conversion

Using Microsoft Photos App:

1. Install HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store (free)
2. Open HEIC file in Photos app
3. Click three dots (•••) menu
4. Select "Save As" → Choose JPEG format
5. Save to desired location

(source)

Method 3: Bulk Conversion with CopyTrans HEIC

Free Desktop Tool for Windows:

1. Download CopyTrans HEIC
2. Install on Windows (works on Win 7-11)
3. Right-click HEIC file in File Explorer
4. Select "Convert to JPEG with CopyTrans"
5. Done - JPG appears in same folder

Batch Conversion:

• Select multiple HEIC files
• Right-click → Convert all at once
• Maintains EXIF data (date, location, camera settings)

(source)

Best For: Windows users, batch processing, offline conversion

Method 4: Prevent HEIC on iPhone

Stop Shooting in HEIC Format:

1. Open iPhone Settings
2. Tap Camera
3. Select Formats
4. Choose "Most Compatible"
5. Done - iPhone now shoots JPG/H.264

Automatic Transfer Conversion:

• Settings → Photos → "Automatic" transfer format
• iPhone converts HEIC to JPG when transferring to Windows

(source)

Part 2: Convert WebP to JPG (Web Compatibility)

Why Convert WebP to JPG?

WebP Advantages:

• 25-35% smaller files than JPG
• Better compression with same quality
• Modern format for web performance

When to Convert to JPG:

• Older browsers don't support WebP
• Image editors can't open WebP
• Social media platforms require JPG
• Printing services need JPG format
• Maximum compatibility needed

Method 1: Online WebP to JPG Converter

Using CreatorFormat WebP to JPG Tool:

1. Visit our WebP to JPG Converter
2. Upload WebP image
3. Convert automatically in browser
4. View file size change (usually +20-40% size increase)
5. Download JPG file

Example:

• Original WebP: 64 KB
• Converted JPG: 89 KB (+39% size, but universal support)

Trade-off: JPG files are larger because WebP has better compression, but JPG works everywhere.

Best For: Quick conversions, single images, browser-based needs

Method 2: Using Desktop Software

Adobe Photoshop (2021+):

1. Open WebP in Photoshop
2. File → Export → Export As
3. Choose JPEG format
4. Set quality (80-90% recommended)
5. Export and save

GIMP (Free Alternative):

1. Open WebP image
2. File → Export As
3. Type .jpg extension
4. Adjust quality slider
5. Export file

Preview (Mac):

1. Open WebP in Preview
2. File → Export
3. Format dropdown → JPEG
4. Save with new name

(source)

Method 3: Batch Conversion Tools

ImageMagick (Command Line):

# Install ImageMagick
# macOS
brew install imagemagick

# Ubuntu
sudo apt install imagemagick

# Convert single WebP to JPG
convert image.webp image.jpg

# Batch convert all WebP files
for file in *.webp; do convert "$file" "${file%.webp}.jpg"; done

# With quality setting (1-100)
convert image.webp -quality 90 image.jpg

XnConvert (Free GUI Tool):

• Batch convert hundreds of images
• Drag & drop interface
• Resize and optimize simultaneously
• Available for Windows, Mac, Linux

(source)

Best For: Web developers, bulk conversion, automation

Part 3: Convert PNG to JPG (Reduce File Size)

When to Convert PNG to JPG

Convert PNG → JPG When: ✅ File size is too large (PNG photos can be 5-10x bigger) ✅ Uploading to websites with size limits ✅ Sending photos via email ✅ Speeding up website loading ✅ Printing photographs ✅ No transparency needed

Keep PNG When: ❌ Image has transparent background ❌ Graphics with text (logos, diagrams) ❌ Screenshots ❌ Need to edit multiple times ❌ Require lossless quality

Method 1: Online PNG to JPG Converter

Using CreatorFormat PNG to JPG Tool:

1. Visit our PNG to JPG Converter
2. Upload PNG image
3. Convert with automatic compression
4. View file size savings
5. Download optimized JPG

Typical Results:

• Original PNG: 2.8 MB (photo)
• Converted JPG: 385 KB (86% smaller!)

Compression: Our converter uses 85% quality for optimal balance.

(source)

Best For: Photos, web images, email attachments

Method 2: Using Built-in Tools

Windows Paint:

1. Open PNG in Paint
2. File → Save As → JPEG picture
3. Name file and save

Mac Preview:

1. Open PNG in Preview
2. File → Export
3. Format → JPEG
4. Adjust quality slider
5. Save

Photoshop:

1. Open PNG
2. File → Export → Save for Web (Legacy)
3. Choose JPEG
4. Quality 60-80 for web, 90-100 for print
5. Save

Method 3: Batch PNG to JPG Conversion

Using ImageMagick:

# Convert single PNG
convert input.png output.jpg

# Batch convert with quality
for f in *.png; do convert "$f" -quality 85 "${f%.png}.jpg"; done

# Compress and resize
convert input.png -resize 1920x1080 -quality 85 output.jpg

Online Batch Tools:

• Convertio - 100 files at once
• CloudConvert - API available
• ILoveIMG - Drag & drop batching

Best For: Photographers, web designers, bulk processing

Part 4: Convert JPG to PNG (Add Transparency)

When to Convert JPG to PNG

Convert JPG → PNG When: ✅ Need transparent background (logos, graphics) ✅ Creating graphics with text ✅ Designing for web (buttons, icons) ✅ Preserving quality through multiple edits ✅ Screenshot has transparency needs ✅ Overlaying images

Keep JPG When: ❌ Photographs for web or print ❌ File size is critical ❌ No transparency needed ❌ Maximum compatibility required

Method 1: Online JPG to PNG Converter

Using CreatorFormat JPG to PNG Tool:

1. Visit our JPG to PNG Converter
2. Upload JPG image
3. Convert to PNG format
4. Download lossless PNG
5. Edit to add transparency if needed

Note: Converting JPG to PNG doesn't add transparency automatically - it converts to PNG format which supports transparency. You'll need image editing software to actually remove backgrounds.

Best For: Preparing images for transparency editing, format requirement needs

Method 2: Remove Background & Convert

Using Remove.bg + PNG Export:

1. Visit Remove.bg
2. Upload JPG photo
3. AI removes background automatically
4. Download as PNG with transparency

Photoshop Method:

1. Open JPG in Photoshop
2. Select background with Magic Wand or Quick Selection
3. Delete background (creates transparency)
4. File → Export → PNG
5. Save with transparency

GIMP Method (Free):

1. Open JPG in GIMP
2. Layer → Transparency → Add Alpha Channel
3. Use Select by Color or Fuzzy Select tool
4. Delete background
5. File → Export As → PNG

Method 3: Programmatic Conversion

Python with PIL/Pillow:

from PIL import Image

# Convert JPG to PNG
img = Image.open('input.jpg')
img.save('output.png', 'PNG')

# Batch convert
import os
from pathlib import Path

for jpg_file in Path('.').glob('*.jpg'):
    img = Image.open(jpg_file)
    png_file = jpg_file.with_suffix('.png')
    img.save(png_file, 'PNG')
    print(f'Converted {jpg_file} to {png_file}')

Best For: Logos, graphics requiring transparency, web design

Image Format Selection Guide

For Photographs:

For Graphics & Design:

File Size Comparison (Same Image):

Example: Product Photo (1920x1080)
├── HEIC: 850 KB (best compression, limited support)
├── WebP: 1.2 MB (excellent compression, growing support)
├── JPG (85% quality): 1.8 MB (good compression, universal)
├── PNG: 8.5 MB (no compression, lossless)
└── Recommendation: JPG for photos, PNG for graphics

(source)

Best Practices for Image Conversion

Before Converting:

✅ Backup Originals

• Always keep original files
• Conversion is often lossy (JPG, WebP)
• Can't recover quality once lost

✅ Check Purpose

• Web → JPG or WebP
• Print → High-quality JPG or PNG
• Graphics → PNG
• Compatibility → JPG

✅ Resize First

• Reduce dimensions before converting
• Smaller source = smaller output
• Use appropriate resolution (72 DPI web, 300 DPI print)

During Conversion:

✅ Quality Settings

• JPG: 85-90% for web, 95-100% for print
• PNG: Use PNG-8 for simple graphics, PNG-24 for photos
• WebP: 80-90 quality for photos

✅ Preserve EXIF Data

• Keep photo metadata (date, location, camera)
• Important for photography
• Some converters strip this data

✅ Test Output

• View converted image before deleting original
• Check quality and compatibility
• Verify file opens correctly

After Conversion:

✅ Optimize Further

• Compress images for web (TinyPNG, ImageOptim)
• Remove unnecessary metadata
• Use progressive JPG for web

✅ Rename Clearly

• Use descriptive filenames
• Include format in name if needed
• Version control (photo-v1.jpg, photo-v2.jpg)

Advanced: Batch Image Processing

Using Image Resizer Tool

Our Image Resizer lets you resize and convert simultaneously:

1. Upload any image format
2. Set new dimensions (pixels or percentage)
3. Choose output format (JPG, PNG, WebP)
4. Convert & Resize in one step
5. Download optimized image

Best For: Preparing images for web, social media, or specific size requirements

Automating Conversions

Shell Script for Batch Processing:

#!/bin/bash
# Convert all HEIC to JPG

for file in *.HEIC *.heic; do
  [ -f "$file" ] || continue
  sips -s format jpeg "$file" --out "${file%.*}.jpg"
  echo "Converted $file"
done

Python Script:

from PIL import Image
import os

def convert_images(source_format, target_format, quality=85):
    for filename in os.listdir('.'):
        if filename.lower().endswith(source_format):
            img = Image.open(filename)
            # Convert to RGB if needed (for JPG)
            if target_format == 'jpg' and img.mode == 'RGBA':
                img = img.convert('RGB')

            new_filename = filename.rsplit('.', 1)[0] + '.' + target_format
            img.save(new_filename, quality=quality)
            print(f'Converted: {filename} → {new_filename}')

# Usage
convert_images('.png', 'jpg', quality=90)

Best For: Developers, photographers, bulk operations

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: Converted Image Quality is Poor

Problem: JPG looks pixelated or blurry after conversion.

Solutions:

1. Increase quality setting (use 90-95% instead of 80%)
2. Don't resize and convert simultaneously
3. Start with highest quality source
4. Use PNG for editing, JPG only for final export

Issue 2: File Size Increased After Conversion

Problem: PNG to JPG should be smaller, but it's not.

Solutions:

1. Ensure JPG quality isn't set to 100%
2. Use 85% quality for optimal size/quality balance
3. Check if original was already compressed
4. Try different converter tool

Issue 3: Transparency Lost When Converting

Problem: PNG transparency becomes white or black background in JPG.

Solutions:

1. JPG doesn't support transparency (by design)
2. Choose background color before converting
3. Use PNG or WebP if transparency needed
4. In Photoshop: flatten with white background before JPG export

Issue 4: Can't Open HEIC Files

Problem: Windows or Android can't open iPhone photos.

Solutions:

1. Install HEIF Image Extensions (Windows Store)
2. Use online HEIC to JPG converter
3. Change iPhone settings to shoot in JPG
4. Use our HEIC to JPG tool for instant conversion

(source)

Issue 5: WebP Won't Upload to Website

Problem: Platform doesn't accept WebP format.

Solutions:

1. Convert to JPG for maximum compatibility
2. Use our WebP to JPG converter
3. Check if PNG is accepted (larger but compatible)
4. Contact platform support about WebP support

Image Conversion Tools Comparison

Conclusion: Best Image Conversion Strategy for 2025

After testing all formats and methods, here's our recommendation:

For iPhone Users:

Convert HEIC → JPG for sharing

• Use our HEIC to JPG converter
• Or change iPhone settings to shoot JPG
• Ensures Windows/Android compatibility

For Web Developers:

Use WebP, provide JPG fallback

• Serve WebP to modern browsers (smaller files)
• Convert WebP → JPG for older browsers
• Use our WebP to JPG converter for fallbacks

For Photographers:

Shoot JPG, edit in PNG, export JPG

• Keep originals in JPG or RAW
• Convert to PNG for editing (lossless)
• Export final as high-quality JPG
• Use our PNG to JPG converter for optimization

For Graphic Designers:

Use PNG for design, JPG for delivery

• Design in PNG (transparency, lossless)
• Deliver JPG if no transparency needed
• Use our JPG to PNG converter when transparency needed

Ready to Convert Your Images?

Start with our free, privacy-focused converters:

• HEIC to JPG Converter - iPhone photos to Windows/Android
• WebP to JPG Converter - Web images to universal format
• PNG to JPG Converter - Reduce file size for photos
• JPG to PNG Converter - Prepare for transparency editing
• Image Resizer - Resize and convert simultaneously

Questions about image formats? Drop a comment below!

Related Articles:

• How to Extract Text from PDF
• Complete Guide to JPG to PDF Conversion
• Image Optimization for Web Performance

Sources:

• How to Open HEIC Files on Windows - HowToGeek
• CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
• Microsoft HEIC Photo Format Support
• Adobe JPEG vs PNG Comparison
• Cloudinary WebP Conversion Guide
• Mailchimp PNG vs JPG Guide
• TechSmith JPG vs PNG Guide