How to Convert HEIC to PNG in 2026 | 9 Free & Batch Methods

Part 1. What Is a HEIC File and Why Convert It to PNG?

1. What Is HEIC

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It is a modern image format developed by MPEG and adopted by Apple in 2017 as the default photo format for iOS and macOS.

Apple chose HEIC because it saves significant storage space. HEIC files are much smaller than JPEGs while keeping excellent image quality, often only about half the size. It also supports advanced features like Live Photos and rich metadata.

However, HEIC has one big drawback: poor compatibility. Many Windows PCs, websites, apps, and older devices struggle to open HEIC files. That’s why most users look for simple ways to convert HEIC to PNG.

2. Why Convert from HEIC to PNG?

HEIC is great for saving space on phones, but PNG is better for everyday use on computers and the web. PNG is a raster-graphics file format that supports lossless data compression, which means that the image quality is preserved perfectly even after multiple saves.

There are several critical reasons to perform a HEIC to PNG conversion:

• Universal Compatibility: Every operating system, from Windows 7 to Linux, and every web browser can render PNG files without additional plugins.
• Transparency Support: Unlike standard JPEGs, PNGs support alpha channels, making them ideal for web design, logos, and graphics where a transparent background is required.
• Professional Printing: Many professional printing services still do not accept HEIC files. Converting to PNG ensures that your colors and details are accurately represented in print.
• Web Standards: Social media platforms and CMS like WordPress or Shopify often require PNG or JPG formats for optimal performance and display.

Comparison: HEIC vs. PNG

In simple terms, HEIC is better for saving space, while PNG is better for easy access and wider support. Converting HEIC to PNG is useful when you want your images to open smoothly on almost any device or software.

Part 2. How to Convert HEIC to PNG on Windows 10/11

Many Windows users cannot open HEIC photos because this format is used by Apple devices. The good news is you do not need paid software. There are free and simple ways to convert HEIC to PNG on your PC.

Here is how to handle them on PC.

Method 1. Export HEIC File to PNG Free in the Microsoft Photos App (Built-in)

The Microsoft Photos app can handle HEIC to PNG conversion, but requires installing specific extensions beforehand. Windows needs both the HEIF Image Extensions (free) and HEVC Video Extensions to process HEIC files. The HEVC extension typically costs $0.99, though a free version from device manufacturers exists. Once these extensions are installed, the Photos app can open and export HEIC files as PNG.

Steps to convert HEIC to PNG:

• Install HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store.

  

• Right-click your HEIC file. Click “Open with” and then “Photos.”

  

• Click the three dots at the top of the Photos app. Select “Save as” or “Save a copy.”

  

• Choose PNG format and click “Save.”

Method 2. Turn HEIC to PNG Using Microsoft Paint (Built-in)

Paint 3D, preinstalled on Windows 10, offers another built-in option to convert HEIC file to PNG. This application supports opening HEIC images and includes a transparency preservation feature during conversion. Similar to Photos app, Paint 3D processes one image at a time.

Detailed Steps:

• Ensure HEIF Image Extensions are installed from Microsoft Store.

• Right-click the HEIC file, click “Open with” from the drop-down list, and choose “Paint”.

• Click "File" and then "Save as”. Select "PNG picture" from the format options.

  

• Choose your save location and click "Save."

Method 3. Batch Convert HEIC File to PNG Using IrfanView

IrfanView, server as a lightweight HEIC viewer, also provides free batch HEIC to JPG and PNG conversion capabilities for Windows users. This open-source program requires installing additional codecs to process HEIC files. Users can obtain the necessary codec through CopyTrans HEIC (free for personal use) or by installing both HEVC Video Extensions and HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store.

Detailed Steps:

• Download and install IrfanView from the official website

• Install the IrfanView Plugins package.

• Launch IrfanView and press "B" to open “Batch Conversion/Rename...”. Alternatively, go to “File” > “Batch Conversion/Rename...”.

  

• Navigate to your HEIC files folder in the left panel

• Select all HEIC files and click "Add" or "Add all."

• Set "Output format" to PNG

  

• Choose your output directory

• Click "Start Batch" to begin conversion.

Method 4. Use Free Unlimited HEIC Converter

Unlimited HEIC Converter stands out as a genuinely free solution available through the Microsoft Store. This application batch converts unlimited HEIC files to JPG and PNG without requiring licenses, registration, or payment. The tool supports batch processing, allowing users to add individual files or search entire directories including subdirectories.

Detailed Steps (using CopyTrans):

• Search for and install “Unlimited HEIC Converter” from Microsoft Store.

• Open the app, and click the button like “Add Files” to upload your HEIC images.

  

• The app will show a list of the added files. It also includes an image preview feature so you can check each photo and see details like file size before converting.

• Look for Converter Settings on the right panel, select “PNG” from the Formats section.

• Finally, click “Start Conversion” at the bottom right to kick off the HEIC convert to PNG.

Part 3. How to Convert HEIC to PNG on Mac

macOS offers a distinct advantage over Windows when handling HEIC files. The operating system has supported HEIC natively since macOS High Sierra, eliminating the need for codec installations or third-party extensions.

Both Preview and Automator provide efficient pathways to batch convert HEIC to PNG without downloading additional software.

Method 1. Bulk Save HEIC to PNG in the Preview App (Built-in)

Preview is macOS's default image viewer and includes robust HEIC-to-PNG conversion capabilities. The application handles batch operations for dozens of files simultaneously. This makes it suitable for users who regularly transfer photo collections from their devices.

Converting HEIC to PNG with Preview:

• Select multiple HEIC files in Finder

• Right-click and choose "Open With" and then select "Preview."

  

• Choose all thumbnails in the Preview sidebar by pressing Command + A.

• Click "File" and then choose "Export Selected Images."

  

• Choose “PNG” format and destination. Click "Choose" to convert all selected files.

Method 2. Batch Change HEIC to PNG Using Automator (for Advanced Users)

Automator is a powerful tool built into macOS that allows you to create custom workflows. You can create a "Quick Action" that appears in your right-click menu, making it the ultimate heic to png converter free workflow for frequent users.

Using your Automator workflow:

• Open “Automator” from Applications.

• Click "New" and choose "Quick Action" (or Workflow)

  

• Set "Workflow receives” to "image files" in "Finder."

  

• Search for "Change Type of Images" in the actions library.

• Drag this action into your workflow. Set "To Type" to PNG.

  

• (Optional) Add “Copy Finder Items” to keep original files.

• Go to File > Save and name your workflow something like “Convert HEIC to PNG”. Save it to your Applications folder or Desktop so it’s easy to find.

• To use it, simply drag a folder or selection of HEIC files onto the Automator application icon you just created. It will automatically convert all the files to PNG and place them in your chosen location.

Automator provides the most efficient native solution for Mac users who regularly need to batch convert HEIC to PNG files.

Part 4. How to Convert HEIC to PNG on Android/iPhone

HEIC files can be tricky on mobile devices. Many Android phones do not support them fully, while iPhones use HEIC by default but need conversion when sharing images.

Luckily, both Android and iPhone have easy ways to convert HEIC to PNG.

Method 1. Use Heic to JPG/PNG/WEBP Converter on Android

Android devices have limited built-in support for HEIC, so using a third-party app is the easiest way to convert HEIC to PNG. The HEIC to JPG/PNG/WEBP Converter is a lightweight, free tool designed for batch processing. This app works completely offline, ensuring your images stay private. It supports multiple formats and lets you batch-convert HEIC to PNG without losing image quality.

Steps:

• Install the app from the Google Play Store.

• Open the app and tap the “Select File” button.

• Allow the app to access your device storage.

• Choose the HEIC files from your gallery or file manager.

• In the conversion settings, choose “PNG” as the output format.

• Tap "Convert.” The files will be saved to a specific folder in your internal storage, usually named "HEIC Converter."

Method 2. Use Apple Shortcuts App for Batch Conversion on iPhone/iPad

iPhone and iPad users can create custom automation workflows with the built-in Shortcuts app to convert HEIC files to PNG without installing third-party apps. This method requires one-time setup but delivers reusable functionality accessible directly from the Shortcuts app or home screen. The Shortcuts app comes preinstalled on iOS devices. If removed, users can download it from the App Store at no cost.

Creating a HEIC to PNG shortcut:

• Launch the Shortcuts app, then tap the + button icon to create a new shortcut.

• Add “Select Photos”. Tap the small arrow next to it and turn on Select Multiple. This allows you to pick as many HEIC photos as you want in one go.

  

• Search for “Convert Image” and add it. It should say "Convert Photos to JPEG." Tap "JPEG" and change it to PNG.

• Search for “Save to Photo Album” and add it.

• Tap the “Play button” and choose your HEIC photos.

• The PNG files will be saved in your “Recents album.”

Part 5. How to Change HEIC to PNG Free Online

Online converters provide platform-independent solutions for HEIC to PNG conversion without requiring software installations. These web-based tools work equally well on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Chromebooks, processing files directly through a browser interface.

Method 1. Use CloudConvert HEIC to PNG Converter Online Free (Btach Conversion)

CloudConvert is a popular online file converter that supports over 200 formats, including HEIC and PNG. It is easy to use and trusted by users for many years. The platform is secure and lets you adjust settings like image quality, resolution, and file size. It is a great option if you want to convert multiple HEIC files to PNG quickly and with good control over the results.

Steps:

• Visit cloudconvert.com

• Click "Select File" or drag and drop HEIC files

• Select multiple files for batch conversion

• Choose PNG as the output format

  

• Once uploaded, click "Convert" to start processing

• Download the files one by one or save them together as a ZIP archive.

Method 2. Use Picflow HEIC to PNG Converter (Free, Fast, No Ads)

Picflow takes a different approach by processing conversions entirely within the user's browser. This method eliminates upload time because files never leave the local device. The converter operates completely free without displaying banner advertisements, providing an uninterrupted conversion experience. Privacy remains absolute because images are processed directly in the browser without being uploaded to a server.

Steps:

• Visit the Picflow HEIC converter page.

• Drag and drop your HEIC files directly into the browser window.

• The system will automatically detect the files. Ensure “PNG” is selected as the target.

  

• Click the “Convert” button. The processing happens in the browser, which is often faster than uploading to a server.

• Click “Download All” to save all your converted PNG images at once.

Part 6. Which Is the Best Way for HEIC Convert to PNG?

Choosing the optimal method to convert HEIC to PNG depends on specific requirements, available tools, and workflow preferences. Different tools excel in different scenarios, so selecting the right HEIC to PNG converter can save time and improve efficiency.

⚡ Bonus: What to Do If You Cannot Open HEIC Files in Windows/Android

Sometimes conversion tools prove useless when HEIC files refuse to open altogether. Windows and Android devices display broken image icons or error messages when lacking proper codec support.

Two solutions address these underlying compatibility and corruption issues before attempting any HEIC to PNG conversion.

1. Install HEIF Image Extensions

Windows 10 and 11 lack native HEIC support, requiring codec installation before files become viewable. The HEIF Image Extensions package enables Windows devices to read and write the High Efficiency Image File format without additional software.

Steps:

• Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.

• Search for “HEIF Image Extensions.”

• Click “Get” or “Install.”

• You may also need the HEVC Video Extensions (sometimes a small fee is required) to fully support certain HEIC files generated by newer iPhones.

You may also like:

Fix: The HEVC Video Extensions Is Required to Display This File (2026)

2. Repair Corrupted HEIC Files with 4DDiG Photo Repair

If your images are grayed out, show "unsupported format" even with codecs installed, or are partially pixelated, they might be corrupted. This often happens during incomplete file transfers or cloud sync errors. 4DDiG Photo Repair fixes damaged photos suffering from pixelation, blurriness, grayed-out areas, and distortion. The tool supports HEIC alongside JPEG, PNG, TIFF, CR2, NEF, and RAW formats.

• Install and open 4DDiG File Repair, select the “Photo Repair” tab from the main dashboard, and click the “Add Photos” button to upload the damaged HEIC files.

  

• Click “Repair” or “Repair All” to let the software’s AI-driven algorithm fix the bitstream and headers.

  

• Preview the fixed images. If they look correct, save them to a new folder. Now you can use any HEIC to PNG converter without errors. Click “Save All” to store them on your computer.

  

Conclusion

Converting HEIC images to PNG doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer built-in tools, online platforms, or a HEIC to PNG batch converter, there’s a method for everyone. If you encounter corrupted images during conversion, tools like 4DDiG Photo Repair can restore your files quickly and reliably. With the right approach, you can easily convert HEIC to PNG while maintaining quality and efficiency.