HEIC Converter

Convert HEIC to:

Convert HEIC to other formats

HEIC to JPGHEIC to JPEGHEIC to PNGHEIC to WEBPHEIC to AVIFHEIC to ICOHEIC to PDF

What is HEIC?

HEIC is the high‑efficiency image format used by iPhones and iPads. It stores photos in about half the size of JPG with the same quality.

History

Apple adopted HEIC in 2017 with iOS 11. It is based on the HEVC video standard and is designed to save storage space on mobile devices.

Key Features

  • High efficiency: about 50% smaller than JPG
  • Supports live photos and depth maps
  • Lossy compression (but also supports lossless)
  • Not widely supported outside Apple and Windows 10+

Compatibility

HEIC files open natively on Apple devices and Windows 10/11. Many websites and older programs cannot display HEIC, which is why conversion is needed.

Pros & Cons

✅ Advantages

  • Up to 50% smaller than JPG with equal quality
  • Supports Live Photos, depth maps, and burst sequences
  • Handles 16‑bit color depth for richer edits

❌ Disadvantages

  • Limited support outside Apple ecosystem
  • Cannot be opened by many older image viewers
  • Not ideal for web use without conversion

How to Open & Edit HEIC Files

iOS / macOS

  • Opens natively in Photos, Preview, and Quick Look
  • Edit directly in the Photos app

Windows 10 / 11

  • Install HEIF Image Extensions (free from Microsoft Store)
  • Then view in Photos app; edit with third‑party tools

Android

  • Open with Google Photos or a HEIC‑compatible gallery app
  • Convert online or using a file converter app

Recommended Tools

Adobe LightroomGIMP (with plugin)Online converter (heic-to-pdf.com)

Version History

  • ▹2015: HEIF standard finalized by MPEG
  • ▹2017: Apple adopts HEIC with iOS 11
  • ▹2019: macOS adds native support
  • ▹2020: Windows 10 gains support via HEIF extensions

Common Conversion Scenarios

Share photos via email or messaging apps

JPG is universally viewable on all devices and platforms

Convert to JPG →

Print or create a document

PDF keeps exact layout and is ready for printing

Convert to PDF →

Edit in Photoshop or other editors

PNG offers lossless quality and transparency support

Convert to PNG →

Frequently Asked Questions

1Why are my iPhone photos HEIC and not JPG?
To save space. HEIC files are half the size of JPG, so your phone can store more photos. But you can easily convert them to JPG for sharing.
2Can I convert HEIC to JPG without a computer?
Yes, our converter works on your phone's browser. Just upload the HEIC file and download the JPG.

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How to Convert HEIC to PDF: The Complete Guide