Modern smartphones of the Galaxy series by default tend to use the latest image compression standards, such as HEIF/HEICto save space in the internal memory. However, the compatibility of this format with other devices, social networks or old computers is not always ideal. Users are often faced with the need to get a classic JPEG (or JPG), which opens literally everywhere without additional codecs.
In this article we will look in detail at how to make your Samsung save pictures immediately in the desired format through the settings of the standard camera. We will also look at methods for quickly converting existing files and discuss why in situations it is better to sacrifice file size for the sake of versatility.
The setup process does not require obtaining root access or installing complex software. All the necessary tools are already built into the shell One UI. The main thing is to know where exactly the necessary switches are hidden, since their location may change depending on the version of Android.
Why Samsung uses other formats by default
Starting with certain firmware versions, the company Samsung has introduced format support HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container). This decision was dictated by the desire to offer users smaller files while maintaining high picture quality. Compression algorithms HEIC work more efficiently than the standard JPEGdeveloped back in the 90s.
However, despite the technical advantages, JPEG remains the “gold standard” of digital photography. It guarantees that you can open photos on any device: from grandma’s laptop with Windows 7 to an industrial printer in a photo studio. HEIC it often requires installing additional plugins or conversion before sending.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to upload photos to government portals or old corporate systems, use only JPEG. Many such systems still do not recognize modern compression formats.
In addition, when actively processing images or using third-party editors, compatibility JPG is often higher. Some professional applications may incorrectly read metadata from files HEIF, which leads to loss of information about geolocation or shooting date.
Setting up the camera for shooting in JPEG
The most correct way to get the desired format is to set up the camera before shooting. This will save you from having to convert hundreds of photos after the fact. On smartphones Samsung this option is located in the camera options menu, but it is not always obvious to a beginner.
Go to the application Camera and find the gear icon in the upper left corner of the screen. This is where all the main parameters of the module’s operation are concentrated. You need to scroll down the list of settings to the section regarding file formats or storage efficiency.
Look for an item called Image format or Effective formats. Depending on the version One UI, the wording may differ slightly. If the switch is active (lit blue), the phone will save the photo to HEIC. Your task is to turn off this toggle switch.
- 📷 Open the application
Cameraon the main screen. - ⚙️ Click on the settings icon (gear) in the corner of the interface.
- 📂 Find the item Image format and turn the switch to the "Off" position.
- ✅ Now all new pictures will be saved how .jpg.
After turning off this function, the camera will automatically switch to standard JPEG. You can check this by taking a test photo and viewing its properties in the gallery. The file extension should be displayed as .jpg.
☑️ Checking the camera settings
Converting existing photos via Gallery
What to do if you already have hundreds of pictures in HEICformat, but need to send them urgently in JPGformat? The built-in application Gallery from Samsung has a hidden but very convenient function for mass format changing. You do not need to download third-party converters from the app store.
First, select the necessary photos in the album. You can select one image or several dozen by holding your finger on the first file and selecting the others. After selection, click on the menu button (three dots) at the bottom of the screen or in the upper corner.
In the drop-down list, select the item Change format or Save as copy (depending on the software version). The system will prompt you to select the target format. Make sure JPEGis selected and confirm the action. The phone will create new copies of the files, leaving the originals untouched.
| Option | HEIC (Original) | JPEG (Conversion) |
|---|---|---|
| File size | ~2.5 MB | ~4.8 MB |
| Compatibility | Low (codecs needed) | Universal |
| Quality | High | High (lossy) |
| Opening speed | Depends on the device | Instant |
Please note that the file size will increase during conversion. This is a normal situation, since the algorithm JPEG is less efficient. Free up some disk space before mass processing to avoid saving errors.
Using third-party applications for batch processing
If the built-in tools are not suitable for some reason or you need more fine-grained compression quality settings, you should turn to specialized utilities. There are many applications available in the store, such as Google Play There are many applications available such as Image Converter or HEIC to JPEG.
Such applications often allow you not only to change the extension, but also to change the resolution of the picture, remove metadata EXIF for privacy, or compress the file to a certain size in kilobytes. This is useful if you upload photos to a site with strict limits.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party converters, carefully read the permissions you give to the application. Avoid apps that require access to contacts or a microphone, as this is unnecessary for working with photos.
The process of working in third-party applications is usually intuitive: you select the source folder, specify the output folder and press the button Convert. Many utilities support work in the background, allowing you to continue using your phone while processing.
How to choose a quality converter?
Pay attention to the application rating (at least 4.5) and the number of reviews. The best sign of reliability is the presence of a function to preview the result before saving the file. Avoid applications with intrusive advertising that block the interface.
Transferring photos to a computer without losing format
A frequent problem occurs when connecting your phone to a PC via a USB cable. If the option MTP (File Transfer) is enabled on your phone, the computer may display files HEICincorrectly, showing them as broken or invisible. To avoid this, the easiest way is to use the conversion methods described above.
However, if you need to transfer the originals, try changing the connection mode. In the notification shade when connecting the cable, select mode File transfer / Android Auto. Sometimes it helps to install codecs HEIF Image Extensions from the official Microsoft Store on your computer.
An alternative option is to use cloud services. When uploading photos to Google Photos or Yandex.Disk via a mobile application, services often automatically convert the images to a compatible format when viewed through a browser on a PC, although the original may be saved in its original form.
Use the Quick Share feature to transfer photos between Samsung devices. It will automatically process the format so that the receiving device can open the file without problems.
The subtleties of working with the professional mode
For users who shoot in the Pro or Expert RAWmode, the situation with formats looks different. In these modes, the phone often offers saving in DNG (digital negative) format. This is a raw format containing maximum data from the matrix.
Files DNG take up a lot of space and require mandatory post-processing. They are not analogue JPEG. If you shoot in Probut want to immediately get the finished JPG, make sure that in the professional mode settings the "RAW only" checkbox is not checked.
Usually the camera creates two files at the same time: one DNG for deep processing and one JPEG for quick viewing. You can disable saving RAWif you do not need professional retouching, thereby saving space and getting ready-made pictures right away.
PRO mode saves two files (RAW + JPEG), unless you disable RAW in the settings. For ordinary tasks, it is enough to leave only JPEG.
Common problems and their solutions
Sometimes users complain that even after disabling the option for effective photo formats, photos are still saved strangely. This may be due to the fact that you are using Single Take mode or some filters that force their data containers to be used.
It is also worth checking the settings of specific shooting modes. For example, in Night or Portrait mode, format settings may be duplicated or have their own priorities. Go to each mode you use and double-check the presence of a format switch.
If files do not open on other devices even with the extension .jpg, perhaps the problem is not in the format, but in a damaged file system or incorrect completion of the process conservation. Try clearing the application cache Camera in the phone settings.
Why do my photos in the gallery weigh more after conversion?
This is due to the difference in compression algorithms. The format HEIC uses more modern mathematical models to reduce file size without visible loss of quality. When converting to JPEG the algorithm works less efficiently, so more bits of information are required to maintain the same level of detail, which increases the "weight" of the file.
Is it possible to rename a .heic file to .jpg manually?
No, simply renaming the extension through a file manager will not change the internal structure of the file. A computer or phone will not be able to read the data, since the file header will remain code HEIC. What is needed is recoding (conversion) of the data.
Does the choice of format affect the speed of the camera?
Minimally. The processors of modern smartphones Samsung cope with encoding of both formats almost instantly. However, when shooting in bursts, saving to JPEG may be a little faster due to the lower computational complexity of the algorithm compared to HEIC.
How to send photos to WhatsApp without losing quality?
WhatsApp automatically compresses all images, converting them to its internal format JPEG when sending like "Photo". To avoid compression, send images as "Document". In this case, the file will be left in the original format, be it JPG or HEIC.