Apple defaults to HEIC for iPhone photos. If you're staying in the Apple ecosystem and want consistent image formats, HEIC for PDF pages too makes sense.
What HEIC is
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's adoption of the HEIF format. Compresses better than JPG, supports transparency, supports multiple images per file. Default for iPhone photography since iOS 11.
Files are roughly half the size of equivalent JPGs at the same visual quality.
When to use it
Use HEIC when your audience is firmly on Apple devices. Sharing with Windows or Android users can be friction-y — Windows didn't natively support HEIC until recent versions, and some apps still don't.
For mixed audiences, JPG remains the safer default.
Convert via the hub
Flint's convert hub outputs HEIC. The result opens natively in macOS Preview, iOS Photos, and most modern Apple apps. Sharing onward via AirDrop or iMessage keeps the HEIC intact.
If you need to send to non-Apple users, convert HEIC to JPG at the last mile — Preview can do it: File > Export > JPG.
Watch the compatibility
HEIC's biggest weakness is reach. Web platforms, older Android phones, some Windows apps, most email clients — patchy support. Test how your recipients will receive the file before defaulting to HEIC for everything.
FAQ
Why use HEIC over JPG?
Roughly half the file size at similar quality. Useful for storage-constrained workflows on Apple devices.
Will Windows users see HEIC?
Recent Windows 10/11 has built-in HEIC support; older versions need a codec install. Apps vary.
Email compatibility?
Variable. Convert to JPG before emailing if the recipient isn't on a modern Mac.
Does it support transparency?
Yes — like PNG and WebP, HEIC has alpha channel support.
Apple-native and lean. Convert your PDF to HEIC for Apple-centric workflows.