set drag-n-drop to jpg by default instead of HEIC in Ventura Apple Photos

Since upgrading to Ventura, I noticed that when I drag photos out of Apple Photos, some of them are HEIC instead of JPEG. I cannot find a setting to make the drag function default to JPEG format.


I realize that I can select the file, then export, then select the format. I would like to reduce that multi-step process by setting the default for the drag-and-drop feature as I export quite often.


If this default setting is not available in the GUI of the Photos app, can I use a terminal command or some other 3rd party software to modify the settings?

MacBook Air, macOS 13.1

Posted on Jan 23, 2023 11:48 AM

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1 reply

Jan 23, 2023 02:26 PM in response to bsm007

When you just click and drag a thumbnail to the Desktop you're getting the jpeg preview version of the image which will be approx twice the size of the .heic file.


Holding down the Option key and dragging will give you the original .heic file.


If that's not what's happening try the following or order as needed:


1 = As a test launch Photos with the Option key held down and create a new, test library.  Import some photos and test to see if the same problem persists. Does it? This tells us if the problem is limited to your current library or is more wide spread. Then open your original library and test again.


2 - boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.




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set drag-n-drop to jpg by default instead of HEIC in Ventura Apple Photos

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