Pixelmator Pro HEIC Export Quality Slider Not Working
Workaround available macOS, iOS Updated October 21, 2026
Quick answer
After macOS 14.4, several users found that the HEIC Quality slider in Pixelmator Pro's export did nothing and that 100% quality files came out tiny. Exporting as JPEG or PNG avoids it.
Most likely fix: Export as JPEG or PNG instead.
Symptoms
HEIC exports have the same file size no matter where the Quality slider is set. A high-quality HEIC is much smaller than the same image saved as JPEG.
Why it happens
- Change in macOS 14.4's HEIC encoding that the export Quality setting no longer controlled
- Affects HEIC only. JPEG quality still works
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Export as JPEG or PNG instead
- Choose File > Export
- Pick JPEG (adjustable quality) or PNG (lossless) from the Format menu
2. Update Pixelmator Pro and macOS
- Install the latest Pixelmator Pro and macOS updates, then test the HEIC slider again
3. Use the right export command
- Use File > Export, not Export for Web, if you need to keep metadata and color profile
This guide also covers
- pixelmator pro heic quality
- pixelmator pro export file size
- pixelmator pro export heic small
Still not working?
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