How to convert HEIC to PDF: 5 easy steps.

While Apple’s default image format, the HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Container), promises superior image quality and reduced file size, its lack of universal compatibility poses a challenge for users outside the Apple ecosystem. If you’ve ever struggled to open or edit HEIC files on non-Apple devices like Android or Windows, converting them to PDF format offers an effective and straightforward solution.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the simple steps of converting HEIC to PDF, whether you’re using Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Acrobat online services, or your iPhone.

Multiple pages of a black-outlined HEIC document displayed against a white background.

What you’ll learn

What is a HEIC file?

HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Container) is an advanced image format known for its superior compression and high image quality compared to traditional formats like JPEG. What sets HEIC apart is its versatility—it's not limited to just one image per file. HEIC can contain multiple images, depth maps, animations, and rich metadata, all consolidated within a single file. This feature unlocks the full potential of device cameras, allowing users to leverage features like burst mode and live photo mode.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the adoption of HEIC beyond the Apple ecosystem has been slow. This is primarily because many platforms and software applications still lack native support for HEIC. As a result, users may encounter challenges when attempting to share or edit these files across different environments. This limitation can lead to frustrations and inefficiencies, as users may need to convert HEIC files to more universally supported formats like JPEG before sharing or editing them on non-Apple devices or software.

A person uses a black iPhone to take photos in an open field surrounded by lush greenery.

Why convert your HEIC files to PDF?

Whether it’s sharing photos with non-Apple users, submitting photos for professional printing, or archiving images in a universally accessible format, there are plenty of reasons to convert your HEIC files to PDF.

The major advantage of converting your HEIC images to PDF is accessibility. For apps and devices outside of the Apple ecosystem, HEIC files may not always be able to be opened or viewed. By converting them to PDF you ensure that your images can be easily accessed and viewed across different platforms and devices. Converting them to PDF ensures universal accessibility, preserving image quality and storage efficiency – just like HEIC files, PDFs offer a compact yet high-quality format.

How to convert HEIC to PDF in Adobe Acrobat.

Converting your HEIC files to PDF is a simple process, whether you’re an existing Adobe Acrobat user or exploring our free online tools. To convert HEIC files to PDF using Adobe, you'll firstly need to export the HEIC file as a universally accessible format like PNG or JPEG. Follow the steps below to get started:

  1. Export HEIC file as a JPEG. Before converting your HEIC file to a PDF, you'll need to export it as the widely supported PNG or JPEG formats.
  2. Open Adobe Acrobat. Launch Adobe Acrobat on your computer. If you don't have it installed, visit the official Adobe website to download and install the software.
  3. Convert JPEG to PDF. In Adobe Acrobat, use the Create PDF tool to convert the JPEG file to a PDF.
  4. Save PDF. Save the converted PDF to your desired location.
  5. Compress and share (optional). If needed, you can compress the PDF file further using Adobe Acrobat before sharing it.

How to convert HEIC to PDF online for free.

If you prefer an online solution, Adobe provides free tools for converting HEIC files to PDF. Simply follow these easy steps:

  1. Export HEIC file as a JPEG.
    • On a Mac: Open the HEIC file in the built-in Preview App. Select File > Export and select PNG or JPEG from the Format drop-down menu.
    • On an iPhone: Find the photo you want to convert and select Share > Copy Photo. Then, navigate to the Files app and press on an empty area, selecting Paste when it appears. The file is now converted to JPEG format.
  2. Open Adobe’s online PDF converter. Open Adobe’s online PDF converter tool on your browser.
  3. Convert JPEG to PDF. Upload and convert your image file to PDF.
  4. Save PDF. Save the converted PDF to your desired location.
  5. Compress and share (optional). If needed, you can compress the PDF file using Adobe Acrobat before sharing it.

How to convert HEIC to PDF on an iPhone.

Follow these simple steps to convert HEIC to PDF directly on your iPhone:

  1. Open photos. Launch the Photos app on your iPhone and locate the HEIC image you want to convert.
  2. Select photo. Tap on the image to open it, and then tap on the Share icon (square with an arrow pointing upwards) at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Print. In the Share menu, scroll down and tap on "Print." This will open the Printer Options screen.
  4. Zoom in. In the Printer Options screen, use a two-finger gesture to "pinch" and zoom in on the photo preview, effectively converting it to a PDF.
  5. Share and save. Tap the Share icon again (square with an arrow pointing upwards) and choose where you want to save the PDF file. If needed, you can then utilise Adobe’s online Compress PDF tool before sharing it to further reduce the file size.

Whether you prefer the efficiency of Adobe Acrobat or the convenience of Acrobat online services, converting HEIC to PDF is a simple and accessible process.

FAQs.

Is it possible to convert HEIC files to PDF without losing image quality?

While initially converting HEIC files to JPEG may lead to a slight reduction in image quality due to compression, the impact is typically minimal and may go unnoticed. For optimal image quality preservation, consider converting the HEIC file to a format like PNG, which maintains the original quality, before converting it to a PDF.

Can I convert multiple HEIC files to a single PDF document?

It is possible to convert multiple HEIC files into a single PDF document using Adobe Acrobat. After converting each HEIC file to a universally accessible format like PNG or JPEG, you can use the "Combine Files" tool in Adobe Acrobat to merge them into one PDF file.

Can I add password protection to my converted PDF files?

Adding password protection to your converted PDF files using Adobe Acrobat. After converting your HEIC file to PDF, use the "Protect" tool in Adobe Acrobat, or the Password Protect online tool to set a password and restrict access to the file.

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How to convert HEIC to PDF: 5 easy steps.
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