Key takeaways
- HEIC is Apple's efficient photo format; many websites and Windows apps don't open it.
- On iPhone, Osd-Scan in Safari can open HEIC photos and turn them into PDF.
- iPhones can also share photos as JPG automatically when sending to other devices.
- For photos of documents, Scan to PDF gives cleaner results than plain conversion.
iPhones save photos as HEIC by default. It's a great format — smaller files, same quality — but many upload forms, Windows computers and older apps don't accept it. Converting to PDF solves the compatibility problem.
Convert HEIC to PDF on iPhone
- Open Safari and go to JPG to PDF.
- Tap Select and choose the HEIC photos from your library.
- Arrange the order and choose the page size.
- Convert and save the PDF to Files.
Photos of documents? Scan them instead
If the HEIC photos show paper documents, use Scan to PDF › Import photos or PDF. The pages are cropped, straightened and enhanced — the result looks like a real scan. See scan documents to PDF on iPhone.
On a Mac
Safari on macOS opens HEIC too, so the same steps work. Alternatively, open the photo in Preview and choose File › Export as PDF.
On Windows or Android
HEIC support varies. The simplest route is to have the iPhone share photos as JPG:
- Settings › Photos › Transfer to Mac or PC › Automatic converts photos when copied to a computer.
- Or Settings › Camera › Formats › Most Compatible to save new photos as JPG.
Then use JPG to PDF on any device.
Why not keep HEIC?
HEIC is fine for your own photo library. For documents you send to banks, schools or employers, PDF is the format they expect — and it keeps multiple pages together. See PDF vs JPG.
Convert once, and your iPhone photos open on every device.
Frequently asked questions
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default photo format on iPhones. It's about half the size of JPG at similar quality.
Why can't I open HEIC on Windows?
Older Windows versions need an extra codec. Converting to JPG or PDF avoids the problem.
Can I stop my iPhone saving HEIC?
Yes. Settings › Camera › Formats › Most Compatible saves new photos as JPG.
Does Osd-Scan open HEIC on Android or Windows?
HEIC opening depends on the browser; it works in Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac. On other systems, share the photo as JPG first.