How to convert PBM to HEIF
To convert PBM to HEIF, upload your PBM file, choose HEIF as the output format and press Convert. The finished HEIF file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter changes PBM images into HEIF files in seconds, with no software to install and no watermark. You can convert several files at once, resize them and choose the quality for formats that support it. Metadata such as location tags is removed from the output for privacy.
Why convert PBM to HEIF?
- Efficient compression
- Supports image sequences and depth data
- Modern successor to JPG
- Works with: iOS, macOS, Android 10+ and recent Windows
What to expect from this conversion
- PBM is lossless and HEIF is lossy, so the file will usually get much smaller. Use the quality slider to balance size and detail.
- Output is HEVC-based, so check that the devices you share with can open it. If not, JPG is the safer choice.
- Browsers do not display HEIF files, so use it in editors, print workflows or development tools rather than on a web page.
PBM vs HEIF
| Property | PBM | HEIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Bitmap | High Efficiency Image File Format |
| Released | 1988, Jef Poskanzer (Netpbm) | 2015, MPEG |
| Compression | None (uncompressed) | Lossy |
| Transparency | No | Yes |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Bit depth | 1-bit | 8 or 10-bit |
| Shown in browsers | No | No |
| Best for | line art and scans; fax-style documents | efficient photo storage; camera and phone workflows |
Steps to convert PBM to HEIF
- Drop your PBM image file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that HEIF is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new HEIF file when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Use quality 80 to 90 for photos: it is visually close to the original at a much smaller size.
- Set a width if the image will be shown on a small screen, which also reduces the file size.
- Choose a background colour before converting transparent images to a format without transparency.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert PBM to HEIF?
Drop your PBM files on the converter, confirm that HEIF is the target and press Convert. Download each file or the whole batch as a ZIP.
Is the PBM to HEIF converter free?
Yes. It is free with no watermark, no sign-up and no limit on how many images you convert. The site is supported by ads.
Does converting PBM to HEIF reduce quality?
PBM is lossless and HEIF is lossy, so the file will usually get much smaller. Use the quality slider to balance size and detail. The quality slider only affects formats that use lossy compression.
Will transparency be kept when I convert PBM to HEIF?
PBM images do not contain transparency, so there is nothing to lose. HEIF supports it if you edit the image later.
Which programs open HEIF files?
HEIF files open in iOS, macOS, Android 10+ and recent Windows.
How many images can I convert at once?
Up to 20 images per batch, each up to 60 MB. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion.