How to change the photo format on a Samsung phone: from JPG to HEIF

Photos on smartphones Samsung by default are saved in format JPEG (or JPG), but modern devices support other options — HEIF, PNG, WEBP. Each of them has its own advantages: in some cases quality is important, in others it is file size, and in others it is support for transparency. The problem is that the default format setting is hidden in the depths of the camera menu, and converting already taken pictures requires additional steps..

In this article we will look at all the ways to change the photo format to Samsung Galaxy —from changing camera settings to using third-party applications. We will pay special attention to the format HEIF (aka .heic), which saves up to 50% of space compared to JPEG with the same quality, but can cause compatibility problems on a PC or in social networks. We will also find out why sometimes Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy A54 do not allow you to choose the desired format, and what to do about it.

If you need not just change the extension, but optimize photos for the web, print or archive - at the end of the article there is a comparative table of formats with the pros and cons of each. And for those who are afraid of losing quality during conversion, we have prepared a checklist for safe conversion.

1. How to change the default photo format in a Samsung camera

The easiest way is to configure the camera so that new photos are saved in the desired format. On most Samsung Galaxy (starting from Galaxy S10 and later) options JPEG, HEIF or a combination of them are available. Here's how to do it:

Open the application Camera → tap on the icon ⚙️ Settings (usually in the upper right corner) → select Aspect ratio and format or Saving format (the name of the item depends on the model). Here you will see the options:

• 📷 JPEG — classic format, compatible with all devices, but takes more space.
• 🖼️ HEIF (HEIC) —a modern format with better compression (ideal for Galaxy S22/S23 high resolutions).
• 🔄 JPEG + HEIF —saves both options (convenient if you are not sure of compatibility).

On some models (for example, Galaxy A14 or Galaxy M33) option HEIF can be hidden. This is due to hardware limitations or firmware version. If there is no item, update the software via Settings → Software update or use alternative methods from the following sections.

⚠️ Attention: Format HEIF is not supported by some versions of Windows (up to version 10 1809) and social networks (for example, VKontakte automatically converts .heic to .jpg when loading). Before choosing this format, check where you plan to upload the photo.

2. Converting already taken photos through “Samsung Gallery”

If you need to change the format of existing photos, it is not necessary to install third-party applications. The standard Samsung Gallery has a built-in tool for exporting photos to another format. Here's how to use it:

1. Open Gallery and select a photo (you can have several by holding your finger on the screen).
2. Tap on the icon ⋮ → Export or Share.
3. In the list of options, select Save as file or Save copy.
4. In the menu that opens you will see an option Format —here you can select JPEG, PNG or WEBP (on new models).
5. Click Save — a copy of the photo with the new format will appear in the folder DCIM/Exported.

This method is convenient because it does not require installation of additional apps and saves EXIF data (information about the shooting date, camera model, etc.). However, it has limitations:

• 🚫 There is no option to save to HEIF —only convert from it.
• 🔍 The quality may deteriorate slightly when converting from .heic in .jpg.
• 📂 The folder Exported is not always visible in the main gallery - look for it through My file.

Make a backup copy of the originals|Check the free space on your phone|Select the target format in advance|Make sure that there is no confidential data on the photo-->

3. Applications for batch format conversion

If the built-in tools Samsung do not suit you, you can use third-party applications. They allow you to:

• 🔄 Convert hundreds of photos at a time (batch processing).
• 🎨 Adjust compression quality (for example, for JPEG you can select 80% or 100%).
• 📁 Save files to the selected folder or cloud.

The best free applications for these tasks:

Application	Supported formats	Features	Cons
HEIF Converter	HEIC ↔ JPEG/PNG	Specializes in .heic, saves EXIF	Advertising, no WEBP
Image Converter	JPG, PNG, WEBP, HEIC, BMP	Batch processing, quality settings	Paid functions (for example, lossless)
PicsArt	JPG, PNG, WEBP	Additional editing tools	Complex interface for beginners
Snapseed	JPG, PNG	Lossless saving, professional settings	No WEBP/HEIC, manual processing

Enough for most tasks Image Converter or HEIF Converter. If you need to not only change the format, but also edit the photo (crop, change the color profile), pay attention to PicsArt or Snapseed from Google.

⚠️ Attention: When converting through third-party applications, some metadata (for example, geotags or white balance settings) may be lost. If this is critical, use the built-in Samsung Gallery or specialized tools like ExifTool (for PC).

4. How to save a photo in PNG format (with transparency)

Format PNG is irreplaceable if you need background transparency (for example, for logos or collages). However, the camera Samsung by default does not save pictures to .png. Here's how to get around this limitation:

Method 1: Through the Photo editor in the Gallery

Open the photo in Gallery → click Edit → select tool Cropping/ratio → save the result as PNG (the option will appear during export). Minus: there will be no transparency - the background will remain white or black.

Method 2: Using the application Background Eraser

If you need real transparency:

1. Install Background Eraser from Google Play.
2. Upload a photo and manually remove the background (tools Eraser or Auto Stroke).
3. Save the result in PNG with an alpha channel (transparency).

Method 3: Screenshot + crop

Open the photo in full screen → take screenshot (buttons Volume down + Power) → trim unnecessary edges in any editor and save as PNG. This method is suitable for quick conversion, but the quality will be lower than the original.

For professional work s PNG (for example, for design) it is better to transfer the photo to a PC and use Photoshop or GIMP. On a phone, only manual processing will provide full transparency.

Why doesn't the Samsung camera save in PNG by default?

The format PNG does not support lossless compression for photos as effectively as JPEG or HEIF. Files .png from the camera would take up 2-3 times more space at the same resolution. In addition, PNG is optimized for graphics with clear edges (screenshots, logos), and not for photos with gradients and noise.

5. WEBP format: advantages and how to use it on Samsung

WEBP - a format from Googlethat combines the advantages of JPEG (good compression for photos) and PNG (transparency support). It's ideal for the web, but its support is limited. Here's what you need to know: Samsung its support is limited. Here's what you need to know:

• 🌐 Advantages: Files are 25–35% smaller than .jpgwith the same quality. Supported in Chrome, Instagram, Telegram.
• 📱 On Samsung: The camera does not save in .webp by default, but it can be selected when exporting via Gallery (on new models).
• ⚠️ Limitations: Not all social networks support uploading .webp (for example, Facebook converts it to .jpg).

To save a photo in WEBP:

1. Open the photo in Samsung Gallery.
2. Click Share → Save as file.
3. Select in options WEBP (if there is no item, update One UI to the latest version).
4. Adjust the quality (recommended 80–90% to balance size and quality).

For batch conversion to .webp use application Image Converter (mentioned earlier) or Squoosh from Google (works through a browser).

6. Problems with the HEIF format (HEIC) and their solutions

Format HEIF (.heic) saves space, but often causes problems. Here are typical situations and ways to solve them:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Photos do not open on PC	Windows does not support .heic default	Install the extension HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store or convert to .jpg on your phone
Social networks do not accept HEIC	VKontakte, Facebook automatically convert the format	Before uploading, export the photo to .jpg via Gallery
Photos lose quality when conversion	Compression HEIC→JPG may add artifacts	Use applications with the option Lossless (for example, Snapseed)
Cannot select HEIF in the camera settings	Outdated firmware or model without support	Update the software or use third-party cameras (for example, Open Camera)

If you often encounter problems HEIFbut want to save space, consider the alternative - WEBP. It is less problematic in terms of compatibility, but gives almost the same compression.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy A13 or Galaxy M21) format HEIF may be disabled by the manufacturer even after updating. This is due to hardware limitations of the processor Exynos or Snapdragon in budget devices.

7. Comparison of formats: which one to choose for your tasks

To be final. decide on the format, study this table. It contains the key differences between JPEG, HEIF, PNG and WEBP from the user's point of view Samsung Galaxy:

Criterion	JPEG	HEIF (HEIC)	PNG	WEBP
File size (with the same quality)	Medium (3–5 MB)	Minimum (1–2 MB)	Maximum (5–10 MB)	Small (2–3 MB)
Quality	Good (compression loss)	Excellent (better than JPEG)	Lossless	Good (better than JPEG)
Transparency	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Compatibility	✅ All devices	⚠️ PC (codec required), social networks	✅ All devices	✅ Web, Android, iOS
Best for...	Print, archive	Saving space on your phone	Graphics, logos	Web, instant messengers

The choice of format depends on your task:

• 📸 For shooting and storage: HEIF (if compatibility is not critical) or JPEG (universal).
• 🌍 For uploading to the Internet: WEBP (optimal balance) or JPEG (if compatibility is needed).
• 🎨 For editing: PNG (if you need transparency) or JPEG (for photos).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about photo formats on Samsung

You can Is it possible to return the original format after conversion?

No, conversion is an irreversible process. Always save a backup copy of the original photos in .heic or .jpgformat if you plan to edit them later. In some applications (for example, Lightroomyou can undo the changes, but this only works). until the file is saved.

Why did the HEIF format selection disappear after the update?

This may be due to resetting the camera settings or changing the policy Samsung for your model Try:

1. Restart your phone.
2. Clear the camera cache in Settings → Applications → Camera → Memory.
3. Check for updates for the application Camera in Galaxy Store.

If the option is not returned, your model no longer supports HEIF (this happens after major updates One UI).

Which format is better for printing photos?

For printing, always use JPEG with maximum quality (100%) or TIFF (if you need professional quality). HEIF and WEBP formats may not be processed correctly in photo laboratories. The resolution must be at least 300 dpi —check this in the file properties.

Is it possible to change the format for a photo? taken in Pro mode?

Yes, but with reservations. In Pro camera mode, Samsung saves photos in .jpg or .heic (depending on the main settings), but without the ability to select the format for each image separately. If you need PNG or WEBPyou will have to convert the photo after shooting through Gallery or third-party applications.

Why do photos become smaller when converted to PNG? huge?

The format PNG uses lossless compression, but for photographs it works less efficiently than for graphics. For example, .jpg weighs 3 MB, and the same photo in .png - 12 MB If you do not need transparency, it is better. use JPEG or WEBP.