How to Convert HEIC Images to PDF

HEIC is the default photo format on recent iPhones and iPads. It keeps files small, but many forms, portals and recipients expect a PDF. This guide covers the main ways to turn HEIC images into a PDF and how to check the result before you send it.

Before you start

HEIC files use the HEIF container with HEVC compression. Your device must be able to decode them before it can save them as a PDF. Apple devices read HEIC natively. On Windows, apps such as Photos usually need the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, and some systems also need the HEVC Video Extensions.

Decide whether the conversion should stay on your device. Built-in tools on iPhone, Mac and Windows process files locally. A web-based HEIC to PDF converter uploads your photos to someone else's server. Before you use one, read its own statements on retention, deletion and third-party processing, and avoid it for documents with personal or confidential content.

• Copy the original HEIC files somewhere safe so you can redo the conversion.
• Put the images in the order you want the PDF pages to appear.
• Rotate or crop any photo that needs it before converting.
• Check whether the photos contain location data you do not want to share.

Step-by-step instructions

Menu names and positions change between operating system versions. If an option below looks different on your device, look for an equivalent Print, Export or Create PDF action.

iPhone or iPad

• Save the photos to the Files app, for example from the share sheet in Photos.
• In Files, tap Select and choose the images in the order you want.
• Open the More menu and choose Create PDF.
• Rename the new PDF if needed. Your original HEIC files stay unchanged.

Another option works from Photos: select the images, open Share, choose Print, and spread two fingers on the page preview to open it as a PDF, which you can then share or save. This method depends on the iOS version, so use Files if the gesture does not work.

Mac

• Open the HEIC file in Preview.
• For a single image, choose File, then Export as PDF.
• For several images, open them together in Preview and arrange them in the sidebar.
• To combine them, choose File, then Print, and use the PDF menu in the print dialog to save as PDF.
• Check the paper size and scaling in the print dialog, because they control how each photo fits on the page.

Windows

• Install the HEIF Image Extensions if HEIC files will not open.
• Open the image in Photos, or select several HEIC files in File Explorer.
• Choose Print and select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer.
• Set paper size, orientation and fit options, then print and choose where to save the PDF.

Online or third-party converters

If you cannot convert HEIC to PDF with built-in tools, a dedicated converter app or website can do it. Upload or select the files, set page order and size if those options exist, then download the PDF. Features such as batch limits, compression, metadata removal and file deletion vary by service, so verify them in that service's own documentation rather than assuming them.

Check the output

• Open the PDF and confirm the page count and order.
• Zoom in on text or fine detail to check sharpness, because print-based methods may scale or recompress images.
• Check margins and orientation. Printing to a fixed paper size such as A4 or Letter can add white borders or shrink tall photos.
• Compare the file size with any upload limit you must meet.
• Check the PDF's document properties if hidden information matters to you.

A PDF stores only a still image. Live Photo motion, depth data and some HDR or wide-color information may be lost or flattened during conversion, and colors can look slightly different on another screen.

Common problems and next steps

HEIC files will not open on Windows: install the HEIF Image Extensions and, if images still fail to display, the HEVC Video Extensions. As an alternative, convert the photos on the iPhone or Mac that created them.

The PDF is too large: export fewer images per file, choose a smaller paper size, or use a converter with a compression setting. Reducing size lowers image quality, so check readability afterwards.

Pages are in the wrong order or rotated: fix the order and rotation in the source images or the Preview sidebar, then convert again from the originals.

You convert HEIC files often: on iPhone, Settings, Camera, Formats offers Most Compatible to capture new photos as JPEG. Settings, Photos, Transfer to Mac or PC set to Automatic converts photos to a compatible format when you copy them to a computer. Neither setting changes photos you have already taken.