How to convert image files from HEIC to PNG

With HEIC format, you can snap high-resolution photos without worrying about them taking up too much space on your iPhone or on iCloud. However, unlike PNG and JPG, HEIC isn't universally accepted and can be more difficult to maintain than other image formats.

However, this isn't a big deal at all since the images are easy to convert. In this article, I explain how to convert HEIC to PNG on various devices.

How to convert multiple HEIC to PNG in seconds 

There are several ways to convert HEIC to PNG format. For example, you can use a converter program, upload and process files online, etc. To save you time, I start with the best and easiest way to convert HEIC images to PNG in bulk.

The good news is that you don't need to deal with complicated workflows to do that. Just make sure Permute is installed on your Mac, and you're good to go. Permute is a Mac app that can convert all kinds of media. The tool works with a lot of different formats for photos, music, and videos, making it easy to change any file type. So here's how to convert HEIC to PNG in Permute:

1. Install Permute – you can download it via Setapp
2. Drag and drop any number of HEIC images onto the Permute window
3. Select PNG in Images in the top left corner 
4. Then click the Start button to convert HEIC to PNG.

That's it. From there, you can either click the magnifying glass under each image to open it in Finder or click the Actions button next to the magnifying glass to choose the app in which you want to open the image.

The conversion procedure for HEIC to JPEG format is the same in case you need it. 

Convert HEIC file to PNG on Mac with native macOS tools

The easiest way for Mac users to change a HEIC file to PNG is to use the Preview app. Let's have a closer look at the method:

1. Open your HEIC file in Preview (simply double-click your HEIC image), then click on File in the menu bar on top of the screen
2. Choose Export > Export As

1. From the drop-down menu, choose the PNG format and click Save
2. That's it!

If you need to transfer your newly made photos to your Mac quickly, try AnyTrans. The tool allows you to migrate any data between your devices in no time. This is what you need to do:

1. Use a cable to link your iPhone to your Mac
2. Go to Device Manager in the Mac app
3. Click the type of media 
4. Pick all the files you want to transfer 
5. Move media from an iPhone to a Mac instantly. 

The app can even integrate with your iCloud account to manage your online storage.

Convert HEIC file to PNG on iPhone or iPad

Although there is a way to convert HEIC on iPhone by copying a picture and pasting it into the Files folder, it only works for HEIC to JPEG, not for PNG. On iPhone, screenshots will always be PNG. All photos taken with the camera will be JPEG, unless you go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose High Efficiency, which will make the photos HEIC.

You can also convert HEIC to PNG on iPhone or iPad with the help of third-party apps; however, I can't recommend any that is reliable. So it's better to use the methods I mentioned above. Alternatively, you can try online converters, but they also have downsides. 

Online HEIC to PNG converters

There are a plethora of online converters to choose from (Cloudconvert, Convertio, XConvert, etc.) if you need to change your photos' format from HEIC to PNG. However, they may be intrusive to your privacy and annoying to use because of pop-ups and ads. There also might be a limit of free conversions per day. Anyway, it's a quick option if you want to convert HEIC to PNG once in a while. All you need to do is to upload your photo and tap one button to start conversion. Wait a little bit and download your PNG. 

Downsides of converting HEIC to PNG

So you know how to convert HEIC to PNG, but the most important thing to remember is that practically every method described in this guide has one big downside: such conversions leave a lot of junk behind. However, if you make it a habit to frequently clean your devices and storages with Gemini and CleanMyMac X, your Mac will always run smoothly. 

All of the apps you've read about in this article, including Gemini, CleanMyMac X, Permute, and AnyTrans, are available to try for free on Setapp. After the initial 7-day trial period, the monthly fee is $9.99. Check out Setapp, which offers 240+ Mac and iPhone apps suitable for a wide range of tasks. You won't regret it.