How this works in your browser
HEIC wraps HEVC video compression around a still image, which is why an iPhone photo is roughly half the size of the equivalent JPG. It is also why no browser except Safari can open one: the decoder is patent-encumbered and simply is not shipped. This tool loads a WebAssembly HEIC decoder into the page, unpacks the image to raw pixels in your tab, draws them onto a canvas and exports through the browser’s PNG encoder. Because PNG uses lossless DEFLATE compression, nothing further is discarded at the export stage, which is exactly why the output file is often several times larger than the HEIC it came from.
HEIC to PNG vs. traditional online converters
| Feature | HEIC to PNG (in-browser) | Traditional online converters |
|---|---|---|
| File upload required | No - never leaves your device | Yes - file is sent to a server |
| Processing queue | None - starts instantly | Often, especially at peak times |
| Watermark on output | Never | Common on free plans |
| Usage limits | None - free, unlimited use | Often capped per day or file size |
| Works offline once loaded | Yes, for most tools | No - requires a live connection |
| Account required | No | Often, for anything beyond a trial |
Who uses HEIC to PNG
Editing iPhone photos on a PC
Open a HEIC shot in Windows software that cannot read the format at all.
Preparing photos for further editing
Move a photo into a lossless format before retouching so repeated saves do not degrade it.
Meeting PNG-only requirements
Supply the format a design tool, print template or upload form specifically asks for.
How to use HEIC to PNG
- 1
Open the HEIC to PNG converter
Go to tools.slaytic.com and open the HEIC to PNG tool. No sign-up or account required.
- 2
Drop your HEIC photo
Add the file straight from your iPhone or from a folder. It works the same on Windows and Android.
- 3
Download the PNG
Save the lossless result, ready for editing in any image software.
Frequently asked questions
Will the PNG file be larger than the original HEIC?
Usually yes. HEIC compresses more efficiently than PNG, so expect a larger file after conversion.
Does this work with Live Photos?
The tool converts the still image component of a HEIC file. The motion portion of a Live Photo is not included.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The HEIC file is decoded entirely inside your browser tab and never leaves your device.
Should I convert to PNG or JPG?
JPG for almost every everyday purpose: sharing, uploading, printing, storing. Choose PNG when the photo is going into further editing and you want no additional lossy compression, or when a specific tool insists on PNG input. The trade is file size, and PNG photos are large.
Why does this take a moment on large photos?
Because browsers other than Safari cannot read HEIC at all, so a decoder has to be loaded into the page and run over the file. Modern iPhone photos are 12 megapixels or more, and decoding that much data locally takes a beat, particularly on a phone.
Does the PNG keep my photo location and camera data?
No. The conversion writes out pixels only, so EXIF metadata including GPS coordinates, timestamp and camera model does not carry across. That is usually welcome when sharing a photo publicly, but keep the original if you rely on that data.
Why do my iPhone photos save as HEIC in the first place?
Because iOS defaults to it for the storage saving, roughly half the size of an equivalent JPG. You can switch the camera to Most Compatible in Settings if you would rather not convert every time.