How to Convert HEIC to PNG
A practical guide for converting Apple's HEIC format to PNG — including why direct browser-based conversion isn't possible and what to do instead.
Why HEIC → PNG Is Different from HEIC → JPG
Our free tool at ConvertHEIC.org converts HEIC to JPG directly in your browser using WebAssembly — no server required. PNG conversion, however, demands lossless pixel-by-pixel encoding that is significantly more memory-intensive. For most use cases (web upload, sharing, printing), JPG at quality 0.9+ is visually identical to PNG and a fraction of the file size. If you truly need PNG, follow the two-step workflow below.
Do You Actually Need PNG?
PNG is a lossless format. That means every pixel is stored exactly as captured — no compression artifacts, no quality degradation. This is essential for:
- Screenshots and UI graphics with sharp text
- Transparent backgrounds (logos, stickers, digital art)
- Source files for further editing (keep full quality)
- Scientific or medical images where accuracy matters
However, for photos from your iPhone camera, PNG offers no visible quality advantage over JPG at 90%+ quality. A 4 MB HEIC photo becomes a 6–8 MB JPG vs. a 18–25 MB PNG. For sharing, uploading, or printing, JPG is almost always the right choice.
Method 1: Two-Step Workflow (Recommended)
The fastest path for most users: convert HEIC → JPG with our browser tool, then JPG → PNG with a free image editor.
Convert HEIC to JPG
Go to ConvertHEIC.org. Drag and drop your HEIC files (or upload a ZIP). Set quality to 1.0 (maximum) to preserve all detail. Click Download.
Open JPG in Preview (Mac) or Paint (Windows)
On Mac: open the JPG in Preview, then File → Export → Format: PNG. On Windows: open in Paint or Photos app, then File → Save a copy → PNG.
Save as PNG
Choose your destination folder and save. PNG files will be noticeably larger than JPG — this is normal and expected for a lossless format.
Method 2: Direct HEIC → PNG with Desktop Software
Mac: Preview (Built-in)
Mac natively reads HEIC files. Open any HEIC in Preview, then go to File → Export and choose PNG from the Format dropdown. For batch conversion, select multiple HEIC files in Finder, open them all in Preview, then use File → Export Selected Images → PNG.
Windows: IrfanView + HEIF Plugin
Download IrfanView (free) and the HEIF/HEIC plugin from the official IrfanView website. Once installed, open your HEIC file and use File → Save As → PNG. For batch: use IrfanView's built-in batch converter (File → Batch Conversion) to process hundreds of files at once.
Cross-Platform: XnConvert (Free)
XnConvert is a free batch image converter for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It supports HEIC input (via libheif) and can export to PNG, TIFF, WebP, and more. Drag your HEIC files into XnConvert, set output to PNG, and hit Convert. It processes hundreds of files in minutes.
iPhone/iPad: Shortcuts App
Create a Shortcut: Add "Select Photos" → "Convert Image" (set to PNG) → "Save to Files". Run the Shortcut and select your HEIC photos. They'll be saved as PNG to your chosen folder. Note: PNG files on iPhone take significantly more storage space.
HEIC vs JPG vs PNG: File Size Comparison
| Format | Typical Size (12MP photo) | Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEIC | 3–5 MB | Excellent (lossy) | iPhone storage |
| JPG (90%) | 4–7 MB | Excellent (lossy) | Web, sharing, print |
| PNG | 15–25 MB | Perfect (lossless) | Editing, transparency |
For most photo sharing and uploading scenarios, converting HEIC to JPG (not PNG) is the practical choice — you get compatible files without the massive file size increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert HEIC to PNG online for free?
Will converting HEIC to PNG improve photo quality?
Does PNG support transparency from HEIC?
Why is my PNG so much larger than the HEIC?
Start with HEIC → JPG (It's Instant)
Convert your HEIC photos to JPG right now — free, private, no upload required. Then export to PNG locally if needed.
Convert HEIC to JPG Free