When taking photos with iPhone, the default format is HEIC. While this format is great—small file size and good quality—there's a problem: people often can't open it, and you might encounter issues when printing. Converting to PDF perfectly solves these problems.
What is HEIC Format?
Simply put, HEIC is the new photo format Apple has been using since iOS 11. It has several advantages:
- Small file size — Photos of the same quality are about half the size of JPEG
- Better image quality — Richer colors, more detail preservation
- More features — Supports transparent backgrounds and can store more shooting information
But compatibility is a major issue. Android phones and Windows computers often can't open them, so converting to PDF is a great choice.
Method 1: Using iPhone's Built-in Features
The simplest method is using iPhone's own features without downloading any apps.
Converting via "Print" Function
This method I use frequently, it's very convenient:
- Open the Photos app, select the HEIC images you want to convert (you can select multiple)
Select HEIC format images in iPhone Photos App - Tap the share button, find the "Print" option
Select print function in the share menu - In the print preview interface, use two fingers to pinch out (zoom gesture), and it will automatically generate a PDF
Generate PDF format through print preview - Choose to save to the Files app and you're done
Direct Conversion in Files App
If your HEIC images are already in the Files app, it's even simpler:
- Long press the image file, select "Quick Actions" → "Create PDF"
- Or directly open the preview, then use the share function
Set Up Shortcuts (Recommended for frequent use)
Friends who need to convert frequently can set up a shortcut for one-click operation:
- Open the Shortcuts app, create a new shortcut
- Add in sequence: Select Photos → Make PDF → Save File
- Give the shortcut a name, and you can use it directly in the share menu later
Benefits of iPhone's Built-in Features
- Completely free, built into your phone
- Can batch process and automate
- No internet required, more privacy secure
Method 2: Using dpdf.com Online Conversion
If you need more setting options or want more professional results, I recommend trying dpdf.com.
Detailed Steps
- Open the tool: HEIC to PDF
- Upload images: Drag and drop or click to upload, supports uploading multiple images at once
Upload HEIC format image files on dpdf.com - Adjust settings:
- Page size: Can auto-fit or choose standard sizes like A4, Letter
- Page orientation: Landscape or portrait
- Margin size: No margins, small margins, or large margins
- Output method: Merge multiple images into one PDF, or generate separate PDFs for each image
- Convert and download: Click the convert button, download after completion
Special Features of This Tool
Flexible Setting Options
- Smart adaptation: Can automatically maintain the original aspect ratio of images
- Standard formats: Supports A4, Letter and other document standard sizes
- Free layout: Both orientation and margins can be adjusted
- Batch processing: Merge if you want to merge, separate if you want to separate
Practical Management Features
- Drag to reorder: Can freely adjust image order
- Basic editing: Rotate, preview, delete operations are all available
- Device compatibility: Works on phones, tablets, and computers
Why We Recommend dpdf.com
- Great support for HEIC format, high conversion quality
- Rich setting options, can meet various needs
- Basic features are free, no registration required
- Secure encryption, files are automatically deleted after processing
Which Method Should You Choose?
| Your Situation | Recommended Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional conversion of 1-2 images | iPhone built-in features | Convenient and quick, no need to open web page |
| Frequent conversion needs | Set up Shortcuts | One-click operation, saves time and effort |
| Batch processing, quality requirements | dpdf.com | Comprehensive features, better results |
| Processing important private photos | Personal preference | Built-in features process locally, dpdf.com has encryption protection |
How to Get Better Conversion Results
A Few Tips
When taking photos:
- Keep iPhone camera settings to "High Efficiency" format (which is HEIC)
- Try to ensure images are clear when shooting
When converting:
- If you want to maintain original image proportions, choose "Auto" for page size
- If you want to make standard documents, choose A4 or Letter
- Page orientation depends on image content
After conversion:
- Check if the conversion results are satisfactory
- If files are too large, you can use PDF Compression
- To merge multiple PDFs, use PDF Merge
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does iPhone use HEIC format?
A: Mainly to save storage space. HEIC has better compression, photos of the same quality can be half the size. However, if you find it troublesome, you can change it to "Most Compatible" in "Settings > Camera > Formats", which will use JPEG format.
Q: Will files become larger after conversion?
A: Possibly. This depends on your settings and original image quality. Generally, the difference won't be too significant.
Q: Is dpdf.com reliable? Will it leak my photos?
A: The website uses SSL encryption, and files are automatically deleted after processing. However, if they are particularly private photos, using iPhone's built-in features is more reassuring.
Q: Can batch conversion maintain my desired order?
A: dpdf.com supports drag-to-reorder, you can adjust to your desired order. For iPhone's built-in features, the order you select photos is the final order.
In Conclusion
Converting HEIC to PDF isn't complicated, iPhone's built-in features can handle daily needs. If you have higher requirements or frequently need batch processing, dpdf.com is indeed more professional. Which to choose mainly depends on your specific needs.
Hope these methods help you!