How to download jpeg files in full resolution from iCloud fotos (iCloud.com)?
downloading in most compatible gives reduced jpeg files and original gives heif files.
I’m only able to get full res jpeg by usb but this is not preferred for me.
iPhone 13
Hi tomfromliessel,
There is only one way to download photos from iCloud.com, and that is by following Download iCloud photos and videos. When doing these steps, your only choices are to download "Unmodified Original" or " Most Compatible."
When it comes to HEIF, see Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices. It is the case that this is the default file type so when downloading an unmodified original, it would download an HEIF. If this is the best file type for the device, it may also download it in this format. There is no way to change this when downloading from iCloud.com. You can, however, follow the steps under "Sharing and converting this media" to export the HEIF file into a JPEG file.
Take care.
Hi tomfromliessel,
There is only one way to download photos from iCloud.com, and that is by following Download iCloud photos and videos. When doing these steps, your only choices are to download "Unmodified Original" or " Most Compatible."
When it comes to HEIF, see Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices. It is the case that this is the default file type so when downloading an unmodified original, it would download an HEIF. If this is the best file type for the device, it may also download it in this format. There is no way to change this when downloading from iCloud.com. You can, however, follow the steps under "Sharing and converting this media" to export the HEIF file into a JPEG file.
Take care.
Hi tomfromliessel,
We found this information for you about JPEG vs HEIF, which may help explain:
Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices - Apple Support
Upgrade to iOS 11 or later or macOS High Sierra or later to view, edit, or duplicate HEIF or HEVC media captured with an iOS device.
iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra introduced support for these new, industry-standard media formats:
• HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) for photos
• HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, for videos
HEIF and HEVC offer better compression than JPEG and H.264, so they use less storage space on your devices and iCloud Photos, while preserving the same visual quality.
If you still want to convert to JPEG, you can do so using a Mac and the Preview app:
Convert image file types using Preview on Mac - Apple Support
If you do not have a Mac, try searching for a compatible app with a search engine.
We hope this helps.
Take care!
Hello tomfromliessel,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. Thanks for following up with us. There are only two options to download the full-resolution photos from iCloud, the steps are below:
1.) You must download the photos from the iCloud website by selecting "Unmodified Original".
2.) You did mention that you're selecting "Most Compatible" due to format reasons. If that's the case you will need to use iCloud for Windows.
Currently these are the only two options to download the full-resolution photos from iCloud. Apple does appreciate all feedback regarding their products, services, and features. If you'd like to provide feedback on your experience with their products or services, you can do so using this link: Legal - Unsolicited Idea Submission Policy - Apple
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. Take care.
Hi Vero_F1,
Thanks for the info. I already found these info pages.
But this does not explain a way to get full res jpegs from iCloud.com.
I’m selecting ‘Most Compatible’ since the original is HEIF. For some reason apple decides to reduce the resolution in this option.
Do you know a way to avoid this using iCloud.com?
I’m using windows. And yes I could download HEIF and look for a converter.
But I really don’t understand why I can’t get a full res jpeg from iCloud.com. So I was sure I am missing something.
But sound like a low res jpeg is the only option supported by Apple?
iCloud photo jpeg full res
