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What is HEIFS?

HEIF Sequence, burst photo format from Apple cameras — stored as image/heif-sequence — uses lossy encoding to handle ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos. Typical file sizes: varies by content.

What is PGM?

Portable GrayMap (PGM) is a simple grayscale image format, storing each pixel as a grayscale value in ASCII or binary form.

When Should You Use HEIFS vs PGM?

Use HEIFS When...

Reach for HEIFS when your priority is ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

Use PGM When...

Reach for PGM when your priority is grayscale image processing, scientific data — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

HEIFS vs PGM: Key Differences

  • •HEIFS and PGM diverge on compression: lossy compression for the source, lossless compression for the target.
  • •Moving from HEIFS (lossless) to PGM (lossless) means the output file will be larger — but every bit of the original is preserved.
  • •Alpha channel support: PGM lacks transparency support.
  • •File sizes: HEIFS files typically range N/A and PGM files Compact for grayscale images.
  • •HEIFS is optimized for ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos while PGM is designed for grayscale image processing, scientific data — choose based on your specific workflow needs

Advantages of HEIFS

  • ✓HEIFS uses lossy compression tailored for iOS burst photos, Live Photos, motion photos.
  • ✓HEIFS is supported natively on virtually every device, browser, and operating system.
  • ✓HEIFS files are compact and quick to transfer, even over slow connections.
  • ✓HEIFS integrates seamlessly with all major photo editing tools and workflows.

Advantages of PGM

  • ✓PGM uses lossless compression tailored for Grayscale image processing, scientific data.
  • ✓PGM is supported natively on virtually every device, browser, and operating system.
  • ✓PGM files are bit-for-bit perfect, preserving every pixel and sample for professional work.
  • ✓PGM integrates seamlessly with all major creative tools and workflows.

Common Use Cases for HEIFS to PGM Conversion

  • Video thumbnail creation
  • Certificate and badge design
  • Websites and online content
  • Print materials and publications
  • Social media posts and ads
  • Digital photography and editing

Industry Applications

Scientific VisualizationE-learning ContentWeb DevelopmentGraphic DesignPhotographySocial Media Marketing

Best Practices for HEIFS to PGM Conversion

  • →When converting HEIFS to PGM, check whether PGM supports transparency — if not, your transparent areas will be filled with a solid color
  • →Use PGM for maximum quality archival and HEIFS for smaller file sizes when quality is less critical
  • →Optimize images for web to reduce page load times — tools like our converter let you adjust quality settings before conversion
  • →Maintain original aspect ratio to avoid distortion during conversion
  • →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
  • →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Related Article

JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

Learn more about HEIFS and PGM formats in our detailed guide.

Troubleshooting HEIFS to PGM Conversion

  • !Converting HEIFS to PGM gives blurry output → increase the quality setting before conversion
  • !Colors look different in PGM than HEIFS → check color profile mismatch (sRGB vs Adobe RGB)
  • !File size changed more than expected → PGM uses different compression, file size differences of 2-5x are normal
  • !Transparent areas in HEIFS turned white in PGM → PGM may not support transparency

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Convert HEIFS to PGM Online - Free & Fast

Convert HEIFS files to PGM online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

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About HEIFS and PGM

HEIFS

HEIFS (HEIFS) - HEIF Sequence, burst photo format from Apple cameras. Best for ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos.

PGM

PGM (PGM graymaps) - Portable GrayMap, grayscale ASCII/PGM image format. Ideal for grayscale image processing, scientific data.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossy → Lossless
TransparencySupported
Use CaseConvert from ios burst photos, live photos, motion photos to grayscale image processing, scientific data
File Size~Compact for grayscale images after conversion

FAQs

Is converting HEIFS to PGM free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of HEIFS to PGM for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert HEIFS to PGM?

Most HEIFS to PGM conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is PGM best used for?

PGM is ideal for grayscale image processing, scientific data. Portable GrayMap, grayscale ASCII/PGM image format

Does converting HEIFS to PGM lose quality?

No, converting HEIFS to PGM does not cause additional quality loss — PGM uses lossless compression. However, any artifacts already present in the original HEIFS file will persist in the PGM output.

What file size should I expect after converting HEIFS to PGM?

PGM files are typically 2-5x larger than equivalent HEIFS files because PGM preserves all pixel data. This is expected and necessary for lossless quality.

Will transparency be preserved when converting HEIFS to PGM?

Yes, PGM supports transparency. Alpha channel information from HEIFS is preserved during conversion.

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