PEF · Pentax RAW
Convert PEF to HEIC
PEF is Pentax’s own RAW format, used across its DSLRs from the full-frame K-1 down. Pentax shooters often keep everything, and a full-frame PEF archive takes real space. RawToHEIC converts your PEF files to HEIC inside Apple Photos, keeping every edit, album, favorite, and location.
What is a PEF file?
A PEF file is a Pentax RAW photo — the unprocessed sensor data written by Pentax DSLRs (which can also save the universal DNG format). A full-frame PEF from a K-1 runs around 30 to 40 MB. RAW keeps the latitude you want while editing, but a finished shot does not need it, and converting PEF files to HEIC keeps the photo identical while reclaiming most of the space.
Convert PEF right inside Photos
No exporting to Files, no importing back, nothing uploaded. Select your PEF photos in Apple Photos, tap Share, and let RawToHEIC convert them on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Everything about the photo is kept
- Edits, crops, and adjustments carry over exactly as they look in Photos.
- Album membership, favorites, captions, and keywords stay put.
- Location and full camera metadata (EXIF) travel with the HEIC.
- HDR is preserved with an ISO 21496-1 gain map.
- Your originals are never deleted until the HEIC is saved and verified.
Cameras that shoot PEF
PEF is written by Pentax DSLRs, often 25–40 MB per photo on full frame. If you shoot any of these, RawToHEIC converts their files:
PEF questions, answered
What is a PEF file?
A PEF is a Pentax RAW photo — unprocessed sensor data from a Pentax DSLR. Pentax cameras can also save DNG, which RawToHEIC converts too.
How do I open a PEF file?
Apple Photos and Preview open PEF on a recent iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and RawToHEIC reads them straight from Photos.
Can I shrink my PEF files without losing edits?
Yes. RawToHEIC converts PEF to HEIC and keeps your edits, album, favorite, location, and metadata, in a much smaller file.
Does converting a PEF reduce quality?
HEIC is lossy — a small visual trade for a large size reduction. Keep originals for irreplaceable shots.
Will it delete my original PEF files?
Only if you choose to, per batch, and never until the HEIC is saved and verified. Deleted originals stay in Recently Deleted for 30 days.
Get your storage back.
Convert your PEF files to HEIC on-device, keep every edit and album, and reclaim the space — one purchase for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Not sure yet? Convert a few sample photos free — no install, nothing uploaded.
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