CARBIDEWEB

Guide

How to convert images between formats on your device

Different apps, platforms, and workflows expect different image formats — what works in iCloud may not open in Windows, and a PNG that looks fine on desktop can bloat a website. This guide walks you through the most common image conversions, how to keep quality high, and how to do it all privately on your own device using Carbide.

Common conversions and when to use each

HEIC is the default format on iPhones — great for storage, but many apps and websites still won't open it. Converting HEIC to JPG solves compatibility instantly. PNG to JPG shrinks file size when you don't need transparency. WebP and AVIF are modern formats designed for the web: they deliver smaller files at the same visual quality, making them ideal for uploading images to a website or sharing over a slow connection. Knowing which format the destination expects saves time and avoids the frustrating "can't open this file" error.

How to convert images using Carbide

Open the Carbide app and go to Image Converter (or the dedicated HEIC to JPG or PNG to JPG tools if you want a single-purpose shortcut). Pick the file from your gallery or file storage, choose the output format, and tap Convert. The converted file is saved directly to your device — no upload, no account, no waiting for a server. Carbide is free and works completely offline, so you can convert images on a plane, in a clinic, or anywhere without Wi-Fi.

Batch conversion and keeping quality

If you have a folder of photos to convert — say, a holiday album shot in HEIC — the Image Converter in Carbide lets you select multiple files at once and convert them all in one step. For quality, use the quality slider: 85–90 % JPEG quality is indistinguishable from 100 % to most eyes but cuts file size by half. For WebP, lossless mode preserves every pixel for graphics and screenshots, while lossy mode at 80–85 % is ideal for photographs. Always keep the original until you have confirmed the output looks right.

Why on-device conversion protects your privacy

Many online converters ask you to upload your photos to a remote server, process them, and then let you download the result. Your images pass through infrastructure you don't control, may be logged, and could be retained. Carbide's Image Converter and Image Editor run entirely on your device — nothing is sent anywhere. This matters especially for sensitive photos: medical images, personal documents scanned as pictures, or anything you wouldn't want stored on a stranger's server. Private by design, not by policy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert HEIC to JPG without losing quality?
HEIC and JPG are both lossy formats, so some quality is technically lost in any re-encoding. In practice, converting at 90 % JPEG quality produces a result that looks identical to the original on screen. Use Carbide's HEIC to JPG tool and set quality to 85–90 % for the best balance between file size and sharpness.
What is the difference between WebP and AVIF?
Both are modern web formats that compress images more efficiently than JPG or PNG. WebP has broader support — every major browser and Android handle it well. AVIF is newer and compresses even more aggressively, but older apps and browsers may not support it yet. For most uses, WebP is the safer choice today.
Does converting PNG to JPG remove the transparent background?
Yes. JPG does not support transparency, so any transparent area is filled with a solid colour — usually white — when you convert. If you need to keep transparency, save as WebP (lossless) or PNG instead.
Is Carbide really free for image conversion?
Yes. The Image Converter, HEIC to JPG, PNG to JPG, and Image Editor tools in Carbide are all free to use, work offline, and do not require an account. No subscription is needed to convert images.