Converting HEIC to PDF on iOS

iPhone and iPad devices save photos in HEIC format by default, offering excellent quality with smaller file sizes. However, you might need to convert these images to PDF for sharing, documentation, or archiving purposes. This guide covers multiple methods to convert HEIC files to PDF directly on your iOS device.

Method 1: Using the Files App and Quick Look

The built-in Files app provides a straightforward way to convert HEIC images to PDF:

Step 1: Move Your HEIC Images to the Files App

1. Open the Photos app
2. Select the HEIC image(s) you want to convert
3. Tap the Share button (square with up arrow)
4. Select “Save to Files”
5. Choose a location (like On My iPhone or iCloud Drive)
6. Tap “Save”

Step 2: Convert to PDF Using Quick Look

1. Open the Files app
2. Navigate to where you saved the HEIC image
3. Tap on the image to open it in Quick Look
4. Tap the Share button in the lower-left corner
5. Scroll down and select “Create PDF”
6. Tap the Share button again
7. Select “Save to Files” to save the PDF

Method 2: Using the Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app offers automation for converting multiple HEIC files at once:

Step 1: Create a Conversion Shortcut

1. Open the Shortcuts app
2. Tap the ”+” button to create a new shortcut
3. Tap “Add Action”
4. Search for “Select Photos” and add it
5. Tap ”+” again, search for “Make PDF” and add it
6. Tap ”+” again, search for “Save File” and add it
7. Tap on “Save File” and select “Ask Where to Save”
8. Tap “Done” to save the shortcut
9. Give your shortcut a name like “HEIC to PDF”

Step 2: Run the Shortcut

1. Tap on your newly created shortcut
2. Select the HEIC images you want to convert
3. Tap “Add” in the upper-right corner
4. Choose where to save the resulting PDF
5. Tap “Save”

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps

Several iOS apps specialize in file conversion:

Option 1: Documents by Readdle (Free)

1. Download “Documents by Readdle” from the App Store
2. Open the app and tap ”+” then “Import Photos”
3. Select your HEIC images and import them
4. Long-press on an imported image
5. Select “Convert”
6. Choose “PDF” as the output format
7. Tap “Convert”

Option 2: PDF Converter by Readdle (Paid)

1. Download “PDF Converter” from the App Store
2. Open the app
3. Tap “Photos to PDF”
4. Select the HEIC images to convert
5. Tap “Convert” at the bottom
6. Customize the PDF settings if needed
7. Tap “Create PDF”
8. Share or save the resulting PDF

Method 4: Using Print to PDF Feature

iOS’s print functionality includes a PDF conversion option:

1. Open Photos app and select your HEIC image
2. Tap the Share button (square with up arrow)
3. Scroll down and select “Print”
4. Use a pinch-out gesture on the preview (pinch with two fingers and spread them apart)
5. This will convert the preview to a PDF
6. Tap the Share button again
7. Choose “Save to Files” to save the PDF

Batch Converting Multiple HEIC Images to a Single PDF

If you want to combine multiple HEIC images into a single PDF document:

1. In the Photos app, select all the HEIC images you want to convert
2. Tap the Share button
3. Scroll down and select “Print”
4. You’ll see a preview with all selected images
5. Use the pinch-out gesture on the preview
6. Tap the Share button
7. Select “Save to Files” to save the multi-page PDF

Troubleshooting

PDF Quality Issues

• If the PDF quality is insufficient, check your conversion settings if available
• The Files app method generally retains the highest quality

Images Not Converting

• Make sure your iOS is updated to the latest version
• Restart your device if shortcuts or conversion processes aren’t working properly

Handling Large Files

• When converting many images or very high-resolution files, give your device time to process
• Close other apps to free up memory during conversion

Conclusion

Converting HEIC to PDF on iOS is straightforward with the built-in tools. For occasional conversions, the Files app or Print method works well, while the Shortcuts app provides excellent automation for regular conversions. Third-party apps offer additional features for more complex needs, often with better batch conversion options.

The best part is that all these methods work entirely on your device—no need to upload your private photos to third-party cloud services.