What is a HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default photo format on iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or later. It stores pictures inside an HEIF container using the HEVC codec, which compresses images to roughly half the size of an equivalent JPEG at the same visual quality — that is why HEIC saves so much space in your iPhone's camera roll.
The tradeoff is compatibility. HEIC is a relatively new format, so it isn't supported natively by Windows (unless you install a codec pack), most Android phones, older browsers, or many web forms and photo-printing services. That is usually the moment someone needs to convert HEIC to JPG or PNG — a format literally everything can open.
Converting doesn't touch the original photo on your phone; it just produces a second file in a format your recipient, printer or website can read.
PDF, JPG or PNG — which should you choose?
HEIC to JPG
Everyday photos: small files that open everywhere. The best choice for sharing, messaging and uploading to the web.
HEIC to PNG
Lossless quality for screenshots, graphics, or images you plan to keep editing. Files are larger than JPG.
HEIC to PDF
Documents and printing: scans, receipts, IDs, or a single photo you need to send as one file.
HEIC on Mac, Windows and iPhone
On iPhone: go to Settings → Camera → Formats and switch to "Most Compatible" — new photos are then saved directly as JPEG instead of HEIC. This doesn't convert photos you've already taken.
Mac's Preview and Windows' Photos app (after installing Microsoft's free HEIF extensions) can also convert HEIC files, one at a time and with a few manual steps each. For the full walkthrough on each OS, see the step-by-step guides on the JPG, PNG and PDF pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC is the photo format iPhones use by default since iOS 11. It compresses images more efficiently than JPEG but isn't supported everywhere, which is why people convert it to JPG, PNG or PDF before sharing or uploading.
How do I open a HEIC file?
On a Mac or iPhone, HEIC files open natively in Preview or Photos. On Windows or older devices, either install Microsoft's HEIF extensions or convert the file to JPG or PNG with this tool — no installation needed.
Does this work on iPhone and in Safari?
Yes. The converter is a normal web page — open it in Safari on iPhone, tap the drop zone, choose a photo from your library, and save the result back to Files or Photos.
Are my photos ever uploaded anywhere?
No. Conversion happens entirely on your device using WebAssembly. Nothing is sent over the network — you can even switch on airplane mode after the page loads and it still works.
Is there a file size limit?
There's no artificial limit set by this tool. The only constraint is your device's own memory, which comfortably handles typical iPhone photos.