HEIC to PNG on Mac: Built-in Tools vs Alternatives
Mac users have excellent built-in support for HEIC files, but which conversion method works best? This guide compares macOS native tools (Preview and Photos) with third-party alternatives to help you choose the perfect solution for your workflow.
Mac Advantage: Native HEIC Support
Unlike Windows, macOS has built-in HEIC support since macOS High Sierra (10.13). This means you can view, edit, and convert HEIC files without installing additional codecs.
🏆 Best Overall
Preview App - Fast, reliable, built-in
📱 Best for Photos
Photos App - Integrated with library
🔄 Best for Batch
Third-party tools - Bulk processing
Method 1: Preview App (Recommended)
- • Pre-installed on every Mac
- • Lightning-fast conversion
- • Maintains excellent image quality
- • Simple, intuitive interface
- • Supports basic image editing
- • No additional software needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Open HEIC File in Preview
Double-click your HEIC file, or right-click and select "Open With" → "Preview". The file will open instantly in Preview.
💡 Tip: You can also drag multiple HEIC files onto the Preview icon in your Dock
Export as PNG
Go to File → Export (or press Shift+Cmd+E). In the export dialog, change the format dropdown from "HEIC" to "PNG".
Choose Quality Settings
PNG is lossless, so you don't need to worry about quality settings. Simply choose your save location and filename.
Save Your PNG File
Click "Save" and your HEIC file will be converted to PNG instantly. The conversion typically takes less than a second.
Batch Conversion with Preview
While Preview doesn't have a dedicated batch conversion feature, you can convert multiple files efficiently:
Quick Batch Method
- Select multiple HEIC files in Finder
- Right-click and choose "Open With" → "Preview"
- All files will open in Preview's sidebar
- Select all thumbnails (Cmd+A)
- Go to File → Export Selected Images
- Choose PNG format and save location
Method 2: Photos App
If your HEIC files are already in your Photos library (from iPhone/iPad sync), the Photos app provides a seamless way to export them as PNG files.
When to Use Photos App
Perfect For
- • Photos already in your library
- • iPhone/iPad photo exports
- • Maintaining photo metadata
- • Organized photo management
Limitations
- • Only works with library photos
- • Slower than Preview
- • Less format control
- • Requires photo import first
Step-by-Step Instructions
Open Photos App
Launch the Photos app from your Applications folder or Dock. Your HEIC photos should already be visible if synced from iOS devices.
Select Photos to Export
Click on the HEIC photos you want to convert. Hold Cmd to select multiple photos, or Cmd+A to select all photos in the current view.
Export Unmodified Originals
Go to File → Export → Export Unmodified Original. This ensures you get the highest quality conversion.
Convert During Export
Choose your export location. The Photos app will automatically convert HEIC files to JPEG by default, but you can change this in export options.
Third-Party Alternatives
While Mac's built-in tools are excellent, third-party applications can offer additional features like advanced batch processing, automation, and specialized workflows.
1. ImageOptim (Free)
Popular Mac app that optimizes images and supports HEIC conversion with excellent compression algorithms.
- • Drag-and-drop interface
- • Automatic optimization
- • Batch processing
- • Lossless compression
- • Open source
Best For:
- • Web developers
- • Optimizing file sizes
- • Batch optimization
- • Automated workflows
2. Permute 3 ($9.99)
Professional media converter that handles images, videos, and audio files with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- • Beautiful, simple interface
- • Batch conversion
- • Multiple format support
- • Quality presets
- • Background processing
Best For:
- • Professional workflows
- • Regular batch conversion
- • Multiple media types
- • Quality control
3. Online Converter (Free)
For Mac users who prefer not to install additional software, our online converter works perfectly in Safari or any browser.
- • No installation required
- • Works in any browser
- • Privacy-focused (local processing)
- • Batch conversion support
- • Always up-to-date
Complete Method Comparison
| Method | Speed | Batch Support | Cost | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preview App | ⚡ Very Fast | ✅ Limited | Free | Single files, quick conversion |
| Photos App | 🐌 Slow | ✅ Yes | Free | Library photos, metadata preservation |
| ImageOptim | ⚡ Fast | ✅ Excellent | Free | Optimization + conversion |
| Permute 3 | ⚡ Fast | ✅ Excellent | $9.99 | Professional workflows |
| Online Converter | ⚡ Fast | ✅ Yes | Free | No installation needed |
Our Recommendations
🏆 For Most Mac Users
Use Preview App - It's fast, reliable, and already on your Mac. Perfect for occasional conversions and single files.
- • No learning curve
- • Instant conversion
- • Excellent quality
- • Zero cost
⚡ For Power Users
Use ImageOptim or Permute 3 - Better for batch processing and professional workflows with advanced features.
- • Batch processing
- • Automation options
- • Professional features
- • Time-saving workflows
Need an Alternative to Built-in Tools?
Try our online converter - no installation required, works on any Mac, and processes files locally for complete privacy.
Convert HEIC to PNG OnlineConclusion
Mac users are fortunate to have excellent built-in HEIC support, making conversion to PNG straightforward and reliable. The Preview app remains our top recommendation for most users due to its speed, simplicity, and quality results.
Quick Decision Guide
- • Single files, quick conversion: Use Preview App
- • Photos from your library: Use Photos App export
- • Regular batch processing: Install ImageOptim (free) or Permute 3 (paid)
- • No installation preference: Use our online converter
- • Professional workflows: Consider Permute 3 for advanced features
The beauty of the Mac ecosystem is that you have multiple excellent options, all of which produce high-quality PNG files from your HEIC originals. Start with Preview for simplicity, then explore other options as your needs grow.