How to Convert HEIC to PNG on a Mac

Convert one HEIC file in Preview

Preview can export images to HEIC, JPEG, JPEG 2000, OpenEXR, PDF, PNG, and TIFF. For a single photo, open the HEIC in Preview, choose File > Export, select PNG from the Format menu, choose a destination and filename, then click Save. Apple’s Preview conversion steps (opens in a new tab)

Use Export rather than Rename. Renaming only changes the filename extension and leaves the original encoding untouched. Export creates a new PNG while preserving the HEIC source unless you deliberately replace or delete it.

If PNG is not visible in the Format menu, Apple advises holding the Option key while opening the menu to reveal specialized or older formats. PNG is normally available without this extra step on current macOS versions.

Convert several HEIC images at once

In Finder, select the HEIC files and open them together in Preview. Confirm that all images appear in the Preview sidebar, then select the specific thumbnails you want to export. Choose File > Export Selected Images, pick a destination, open Options if needed, and choose PNG.

Test a small group before processing an entire library. A HEIF container can hold more than a single still image, while a straightforward export may produce only the selected or primary image. Edited photos, bursts, depth effects, and Live Photo components deserve a separate check.

Check the PNG before deleting anything

• Compare width and height in pixels using Tools > Show Inspector or Finder’s Get Info panel.
• Open portrait and landscape examples to confirm that orientation was applied correctly.
• Inspect bright gradients, skin tones, and wide-color photos in the app where the PNG will be used.
• Check the file size; PNG is lossless and is often much larger than a photo-oriented HEIC original.
• Confirm whether capture date, location, camera details, and other metadata were retained if your workflow needs them.
• Keep the original HEIC until the PNG has been verified and backed up.

Preview or a browser converter?

Preview is a good choice when you already have the files on a Mac and want a built-in conversion path. It also offers a clear batch workflow without installing another application.

A browser converter is useful when you want the same workflow across Mac, Windows, or ChromeOS, or when the HEIC files are already in a browser-based task. HEICTOPNG processes images locally in the browser. Whichever method you choose, the meaningful completion signal is a verified PNG that opens correctly at the expected dimensions—not merely a changed extension.