PNG vs HEIC
How do PNG and HEICcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.png
Full guide →Portable Network Graphics
PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency. It was created as an improved, non-patented replacement for GIF. PNG is ideal for graphics, logos, screenshots, and any image where quality preservation is critical.
.heic
Full guide →High Efficiency Image Container
HEIC is Apple's preferred image format, used by iPhones and iPads since iOS 11. It delivers significantly better compression than JPG while maintaining higher quality, but compatibility remains limited outside the Apple ecosystem.
| Specification | PNG | HEIC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Network Graphics | High Efficiency Image Container |
| Extension | .png | .heic |
| MIME type | image/png | image/heic |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Developer | PNG Development Group | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) |
| Year introduced | 1996 | 2015 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
PNG advantages
- Lossless compression — no quality loss
- Supports full transparency (alpha channel)
- Great for text, logos, and sharp-edged graphics
- Universally supported across all browsers and platforms
PNG limitations
- Larger file sizes than JPG for photographs
- No animation support (use APNG or GIF instead)
- Not ideal for print workflows (CMYK not supported)
HEIC advantages
- 50% smaller than JPG at equivalent quality
- Supports transparency and depth maps
- Live Photos and image sequences
- 16-bit color depth
HEIC limitations
- Limited compatibility outside Apple devices
- Not natively supported by most web browsers
- Requires special decoders on Windows/Android
- Patent-encumbered format
Which should you use?
Both PNG and HEIC have their strengths. PNG excels at website graphics and logos, while HEIC is better for iphone and ipad photography.
Best uses for PNG
Best uses for HEIC
Convert between PNG and HEIC
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.