Open HEIC directly on Mac
macOS can open HEIC photos in Preview, so you usually do not need to install a codec just to view them. For a single image, Preview can export a copy in another format such as JPEG or PDF. Keep the original HEIC if you want to preserve it unchanged.
Use Preview for a quick native export
Open the image in Preview and choose File > Export to save a JPEG or PDF copy. Preview can also combine files into a PDF by showing them in one window and adding images to the thumbnail sidebar. This is convenient for a small, quick job using built-in Mac tools.
Use HeicPDF to arrange a group of photos
For a larger set, open HeicPDF in Safari or Chrome and select or drag HEIC files from Finder. Review the thumbnails, remove extras, and set the page order before downloading. The browser creates one PDF on your device; open it in Preview to check the pages before printing or sharing.
Select several files in Finder
For a small batch, open the folder in Finder, hold Command while selecting individual HEIC files, or use Shift to select a continuous range. You can drag the selection into Preview or into the browser converter. Rename files with a simple order such as 01, 02, and 03 when page order matters, then confirm the visual order in the thumbnail strip before exporting.
Show the Preview thumbnail sidebar
When Preview opens one image, choose View > Thumbnails to reveal the sidebar. Drag additional files into that strip, or open them in the same Preview window, then drag thumbnails into the required order. Select all thumbnails before using File > Print or File > Export as PDF so the result contains every page. This is the quickest native workflow for a short document.
Photos, iCloud, color, and page size
Photos stored in iCloud may need to download the original before Preview can export it; wait for the cloud icon to finish and avoid converting a low-resolution preview. HEIC color profiles are generally interpreted by Apple apps, but an exported PDF can look different in a non-Apple viewer or printer. Check one representative page, orientation, and paper size before a large batch. If the PDF is for A4 or Letter, use a workflow that lets you choose the paper size instead of assuming the image pixel dimensions are a paper size.
Keep the original after conversion
A PDF is convenient for printing, forms, and one-file sharing, but it can flatten edits, metadata, and color information. Keep the HEIC originals in Photos or a backup, and treat the PDF as a delivery copy. For a very large batch, process smaller groups so Safari, Chrome, or Preview has enough memory and the final files remain easy to open and email.
Quick answers
Can I use Safari on Mac?+
Yes. Safari and Chrome both work with the browser converter on a current Mac.
Can I convert one HEIC photo without HeicPDF?+
Yes. Open it in Preview and export a JPEG or PDF copy. HeicPDF is useful when you want several photos in one ordered PDF.
Can I edit the PDF after conversion?+
You can inspect, print, annotate, or share it in Preview. Editing the underlying photo is separate from editing a PDF page.
Sources
Ready to convert?
Create a private PDF from your HEIC photos in the browser.