Mac users have several excellent options for converting image formats — both built-in and browser-based — that don't require purchasing software. Whether you need to convert HEIC to JPG, PNG to WebP, or any other format combination, the combination of built-in Mac tools and free web tools covers virtually every scenario.
Built-In Mac Image Conversion Tools
macOS includes two powerful built-in tools for image conversion: Preview (the default image and PDF viewer) and Automator (a workflow automation tool). Preview's Export function can convert between JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, and several other formats. Automator can batch-convert hundreds of files in a few clicks.
| Tool | Converts | Batch? |
|---|---|---|
| Preview (Export) | JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, BMP, HEIC | No (one at a time) |
| Automator | JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, PDF | Yes |
| imgresizr.com (browser) | JPG, PNG, WebP, HEIC, SVG | One at a time |
| ImageMagick (Terminal) | All common formats + WebP | Yes (command line) |
How to Convert Image Format on Mac Using Preview
- Open your image file in Preview (double-click or right-click → Open With → Preview).
- Go to File → Export.
- In the Format dropdown, select your desired output format (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.).
- Adjust quality (for JPEG) and choose a save location.
- Click Save.
Converting to WebP on Mac
Preview Doesn't Support WebP Export
Mac's built-in Preview app can open WebP images but cannot export to WebP format. For JPG/PNG to WebP conversion on Mac, use the Image Converter at imgresizr.com in Safari — this gives you WebP conversion without any software installation. Alternatively, install ImageMagick via Homebrew for command-line WebP conversion of many files at once.
HEIC Support Is Native on Mac
Unlike Windows, Mac has native HEIC support — you can open HEIC files directly in Preview and export to JPG. This is particularly useful for Mac users who transfer iPhone photos and need to convert them for use in applications or websites that don't support HEIC.
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