What is AVIF?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a modern image format based on the AV1 video codec. It offers significant advantages in compression efficiency and visual quality compared to older formats like JPEG, PNG, and even newer ones like WebP.
Key Features of AVIF
Superior Compression
AVIF can achieve file sizes 50% smaller than JPEG at equivalent visual quality, and 20% smaller than WebP. This makes it excellent for web optimization.
Excellent Image Quality
Even at high compression ratios, AVIF maintains impressive image quality with less of the artifacts and blockiness common to JPEG compression.
Advanced Features
AVIF supports HDR, wide color gamut, 10/12-bit color depth, transparency (alpha channel), and multiple color profiles.
Royalty-Free
Unlike some image formats, AVIF is open source and royalty-free, which has helped drive its adoption across the industry.
Browser and Software Support
AVIF support has been growing steadily since its introduction:
- Chrome: Full support since version 85 (August 2020)
- Firefox: Support since version 93 (October 2021)
- Edge: Support via Chromium base (version 85+)
- Safari: Not yet supported natively
- Android: Supported in Chrome for Android
This is why tools for converting AVIF to more universally supported formats like JPG and PNG remain important for ensuring compatibility across all devices and browsers.
AVIF vs. Other Image Formats
| Feature | AVIF | JPEG | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Excellent | Moderate | Poor (lossless) | Good |
| Transparency | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No | No (except APNG) | Yes |
| HDR Support | Yes | No | Limited | No |
| Browser Support | Growing | Universal | Universal | Wide |
When to Use AVIF
AVIF is ideal for:
- Web optimization where file size is crucial (e-commerce, media sites)
- Photography with complex details and wide color ranges
- Progressive rendering of images
- Applications where image quality at small file sizes is important
Why Convert AVIF to Other Formats?
Despite its advantages, there are several reasons you might need to convert AVIF files:
- Compatibility with older browsers (particularly Safari)
- Using images in software that doesn't support AVIF
- Sharing with users who may not have AVIF-compatible viewers
- Editing in image editing software that lacks AVIF support
Ready to Convert AVIF?
Our free online tools make it easy to convert your AVIF images to more universally supported formats: