How to convert HEIC to PDF on Mac: Tools for different cases

The HEIC to PDF conversion process takes just seconds and can be done using macOS built-in tools or third-party apps for more advanced features. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to convert HEIC to PDF on Mac.

How to convert HEIC to PDF with native macOS tools

Since HEIC is a native Apple format, you can easily view such files in Photos or Preview on your Mac. However, even if you’re fully in the Apple ecosystem, there will be times when you need to convert a HEIC image to PDF. For example, print shops often require files in PDF format, and some websites only accept more universally supported file types.

You can easily perform all the conversions you need (HEIC file to PDF, HEIC to JPEG, and JPEG to PDF) in the Preview app on your Mac. Simply follow these steps to get your files converted:

1. Open your HEIC image with Preview.
2. Go to File in the top menu bar > Export as PDF. Alternatively, select Export... for more file formats: JPEG, JPEG-2000, OpenEXR, PNG, TIFF. 
3. Choose your preferred destination > Save.

Preview can convert one image at a time, making it a great option for occasional conversions. However, if you regularly need to batch-convert HEIC to PDF, this method can be tedious.

How to convert multiple HEIC to PDF file in one click

The easiest no-hassle way to convert HEIC to PDF is to use a media file converter designed to change file formats in a couple of clicks. One of the most easy-to-use and versatile converters for macOS is Permute.

Permute converts any audio, video, or image file into whatever format you need them to be and can do it with multiple files at once. 

What makes it super-convenient, though, is its additional capabilities. For example, you can apply color filters to your PDFs, reduce file sizes, create videos from audio files, and even do some basic video editing like merging videos or adding a subtitle track — without having to leave the app.

But if you’re just looking to convert HEIC to PDF with Permute, here’s how to do it: 

1. Download and open Permute.
2. Drag and drop your HEIC image into the app’s window.
3. Choose PDF from the drop-down at the upper right.
4. Click the play icon on the left to convert the files (they will automatically be saved to the same folder as your HEIC originals).

You can also export to JPG in Photos — simply click on your HEIC image and choose Export from the File menu.

How to use online HEIC to PDF converters

You can also use one of the many online tools to convert HEIC to a PDF document. They are convenient for occasional use — when you need to convert PDF or convert to PDF once in a blue moon. They are free, easy to use, and spare you the need to install a specialized app to convert HEIC to PDF. 

You can get the job done in a few clicks: you upload your file, specify the output image format, wait for the file to be processed, and download it to your Mac.

Here's how to convert HEIC to PDF online on the example of the popular file converter tool, CloudConvert: 

1. Go to cloudconvert.com in your web browser.
2. Click on Select File to upload your HEIC.
3. Choose PDF from a drop-down menu next to Convert To.
4. Click on Convert.
5. Download your PDF when it’s ready.

On the other hand, online converting is not a good choice if you need to convert files regularly and in large quantities (most services have a limit to the number of files you can convert per day for free), or your files contain personal info (think all sorts of application forms, sensitive or private information, documents). Since all conversions take place in the cloud and your data is shared with third parties, from a cybersecurity perspective, it’s safer to use reliable offline apps.

Convert HEIC to PDF to share outside the Apple system

Learning how to convert HEIC format to PDF on Mac will help you avoid situations when people or organizations you’re sending files to are unable to open them. You can convert your HEICs to PDFs in a few clicks, whatever option you choose:

• Convert images in macOS native Preview.
• Benefit from additional capabilities of Permute media files converter and Nitro PDF Pro — a specialized tool to edit PDF.
• Choose one of the online file-converting services (for non-sensitive files, please!).

When you’re done and ready with your PDF docs, don’t forget to check its size and skillfully reduce it while retaining high quality with PDF Squeezer

Also, don’t pass on a chance to take Permute, NitroPDF Pro, and PDF Squeezer for a free test run with the seven-day trial of Setapp, a platform of high-performance, best-in-class iOS and macOS apps. Learn to convert HEIC to PDF and check out more than 250 potential options to boost your productivity.