PGM Won't Open? Convert to HEIC Instantly
Fast, instant PGM to HEIC conversion. No signup required. Just drop your .pgm file and get .heic in seconds.
Batch Settings
About PGM to HEIC Conversion
Dealing with a PGM file that won't open on your device? You're not alone — PGM compatibility issues are one of the most common reasons people search for a file converter. PGM is a widely used file format.
The fix is simple: convert your PGM to HEIC. HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's format for iPhone photos, offering twice the compression of JPEG. This conversion lets you convert between formats quickly, solving the problem in seconds rather than hours of troubleshooting.
Converting PGM to HEIC maintains high quality with CocoConvert's optimised encoder settings.
CocoConvert processes your PGM file on secure servers in Germany — upload, convert, download. Your files are encrypted via TLS and automatically deleted within 24 hours. No account needed, no software to install, and it works on any device with a browser.
This conversion is ideal when you When you need a HEIC file.
The conversion engine behind CocoConvert uses FFmpeg, Sharp, and qpdf — the same open-source libraries trusted by Netflix, YouTube, and enterprise platforms. Pro users can batch convert up to 100 files at once.
How to Convert PGM to HEIC
- 1
Add your PGM file
Drag and drop your .pgm file into the converter, or tap "Browse" to pick it from your device. Multiple files are supported for batch processing.
- 2
Pick HEIC output
Select .heic as the target format. CocoConvert automatically applies the best quality settings for this conversion.
- 3
Start conversion
Hit the Convert button. The image engine processes your file server-side — no CPU drain on your device.
- 4
Save your file
Once done, download your .heic file. For batch jobs, download all at once as a zip.
What Happens When You Convert PGM to HEIC
Your PGM file is decoded and re-encoded as HEIC.
Your PGM file is uploaded and validated
The file is decoded (parsed into its raw data)
The data is re-encoded in HEIC format
The converted file is ready for download
Format Comparison
PGM
.pgm file
| Extension | .pgm |
| MIME Type | image/x-portable-graymap |
| Category | Image |
HEIC
.heic file
| Extension | .heic |
| MIME Type | image/heic |
| Category | Image |
Should You Convert PGM to HEIC?
When to Convert
- ✓When you need a HEIC file
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my PGM file open?
PGM files may not open if your device lacks the right codec or application. Converting to HEIC — a more widely supported format — usually resolves this. HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's format for iPhone photos, offering twice the compression of JPEG.
Is it safe to convert PGM to HEIC online?
Yes. CocoConvert encrypts your file via TLS, processes it on isolated servers in Germany, and permanently deletes it within 24 hours. Your files are never shared or analysed.
Will I lose quality converting PGM to HEIC?
Converting PGM to HEIC maintains high quality with CocoConvert's optimised encoder settings. CocoConvert uses high-quality encoder defaults to preserve as much fidelity as possible.
How large can my PGM file be?
Free users can convert files up to 250 MB each. Pro users get a 5 GB limit per file, and Business API users have custom limits.
Can I convert PGM to HEIC on my phone?
Absolutely. CocoConvert works in any modern browser — iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and all desktop browsers. No app required.
Versions are pinned in our worker Dockerfile and re-built via CI on every change.