Convert HEIC Without Losing Quality
Quick Answer
Yes, you can convert HEIC without losing quality. Choose PNG as your output format - it's lossless and preserves every pixel. Our free online converter maintains 100% of your original image quality with no compression artifacts.
Worried about quality loss when converting HEIC files? You're right to be careful. This guide explains exactly what happens to your image quality during conversion and how to preserve it.
The bottom line: Yes, you can convert HEIC files without any quality loss. The key is choosing the right output format (PNG) and using a converter that doesn't apply additional compression. Our free HEIC converter preserves 100% of your original image quality.
The Short Answer
Convert HEIC to PNG for zero quality loss. PNG is lossless - every pixel is preserved exactly. JPEG loses some quality but is imperceptible at 90%+ settings.
Understanding HEIC Quality
First, let's understand what we're working with:
- HEIC uses HEVC compression - technically lossy, but applied at capture time with very high quality
- The quality is already set - when you convert, you can't get more detail than the HEIC contains
- Goal: preserve what's there - the best conversion keeps all existing data
Format Quality Comparison
PNG Lossless - Recommended
PNG preserves 100% of image data with zero quality loss. Convert to PNG now.
Best for: Archiving, editing, graphics, maximum quality
Trade-off: Larger file sizes (5-10x bigger than HEIC)
WebP (Lossless mode) Lossless
WebP in lossless mode also preserves 100% quality with smaller files than PNG. Convert to WebP now.
Best for: Web use where you need lossless quality
Trade-off: Slightly less compatible than PNG
JPEG (90-100%) Near-Lossless
High-quality JPEG has imperceptible quality loss for photos. Convert to JPEG now.
Best for: Sharing photos, email, social media
Trade-off: Technically lossy (but you won't see it)
JPEG (80%) Visible Loss
Lower quality JPEG may show artifacts in detailed areas.
Best for: When file size is critical
Trade-off: May see compression artifacts
Quality Comparison Table
| Format | Quality | File Size | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | 100% (Lossless) | Large | Archiving, editing |
| WebP Lossless | 100% (Lossless) | Medium-Large | Web, apps |
| JPEG 100% | ~99% | Medium | Quality-focused |
| JPEG 90% | ~97% | Small | General sharing |
| WebP Lossy | ~98% | Smallest | Web optimization |
Pro Tip: For photos you'll share, JPEG at 90% quality is practically identical to PNG - most people can't tell the difference. Save PNG for images you'll edit or archive long-term.
How to Convert Without Quality Loss
Step 1: Choose PNG Format
When using HoneyConvert or any converter, select PNG as your output format for guaranteed lossless conversion.
Step 2: Keep Original Size
Select 100% (Original) size. Resizing introduces interpolation which can affect quality.
Step 3: Convert
Click convert and download. Your PNG will have identical visual quality to the HEIC.
Important: You can't improve quality beyond the original HEIC. If the source photo is blurry or low quality, the converted file will be too. Conversion preserves quality - it doesn't enhance it.
Convert HEIC to PNG Losslessly
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Convert to PNG NowFrequently Asked Questions
Does converting HEIC to PNG lose quality?
No, converting HEIC to PNG does not lose quality. PNG is a lossless format that preserves all image data. The conversion simply changes how the data is stored, not the data itself. Your converted PNG will be pixel-perfect.
Does converting HEIC to JPEG lose quality?
Technically yes - JPEG uses lossy compression. However, at high quality settings (90-100%), the loss is imperceptible to the human eye for photographs. You'd need to zoom in and compare side-by-side to notice any difference.
What's the best format for lossless HEIC conversion?
PNG is the most widely compatible lossless format. WebP in lossless mode is also excellent with smaller file sizes. Both preserve 100% of the original quality.
Is HEIC already compressed?
Yes, HEIC uses HEVC compression which is technically lossy. However, it's applied at capture time with high quality settings. When you convert to PNG, you preserve all the data that exists in the HEIC file - you just can't recover data that was never there.
Will my converted file be larger than the HEIC?
Yes, usually. PNG files are typically 5-10x larger than HEIC because PNG uses lossless compression while HEIC uses more efficient lossy compression. This is the trade-off for preserving quality.
Should I keep my original HEIC files?
Yes, if storage allows. HEIC offers excellent quality at small file sizes. Keep HEIC as your archive format and convert to PNG/JPEG only when needed for sharing or compatibility.
Is PNG or JPEG better for HEIC conversion quality?
PNG is better for quality preservation because it's lossless - no data is discarded. JPEG is lossy but creates smaller files. For archiving or editing, use PNG. For sharing on social media or email where file size matters, JPEG at 90%+ quality is visually identical.
Can I batch convert HEIC files without losing quality?
Yes! Our batch HEIC converter processes multiple files at once while preserving full quality. Select PNG as your output format to ensure lossless conversion for all files.
Does resizing during conversion affect quality?
Yes, resizing introduces interpolation which can slightly reduce sharpness. For maximum quality, always convert at 100% original size. Only resize if you specifically need a smaller image dimension.