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AVIF

The AVIF image format

AVIF is a next-generation format that usually makes the smallest image files. It works in all current major browsers, but it is slower to create and less common outside the web.

ConvertAVIF → JPGAVIF → PNGAVIF → WebPAVIF → PDF

What it is

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) was developed by the Alliance for Open Media, the industry group behind the AV1 video codec. AVIF stores images compressed with AV1 inside the HEIF container, the same container family that iPhone HEIC photos use. The specification was published in 2019.

AV1 was designed as a modern, royalty-free codec, and AVIF inherits its efficiency, so it can compress photos very well. It supports lossy and lossless compression, transparency, animation, and higher bit depths of 10 and 12 bits per channel, which allows HDR images and smoother gradients.

Strengths

  • Very small files. For photos, AVIF is usually smaller than both JPG and WebP at similar visible quality.
  • Clean results at low bitrates. Edges and smooth areas such as skies stay clean even when files are small.
  • Modern features. Transparency, animation, HDR and wide color.
  • Browser support. All current major browsers display AVIF.

Weaknesses

  • Slow encoding. Creating an AVIF takes far more computing work than JPG or WebP.
  • Fine texture can be smoothed. At strong compression, details like grass, fabric or skin texture may look slightly painted.
  • Less support outside browsers. Many image editors, viewers and upload forms do not accept AVIF yet.
  • Older devices. Devices stuck on old operating system versions may not display it.

When to use it

AVIF is an excellent choice for photos on websites where every kilobyte counts, ideally served with a WebP or JPG fallback through the HTML picture element. It is less suitable for images you send to other people, since their software may not open it. The WebP vs AVIF guide compares the two modern formats.

How to open and convert AVIF

Current browsers open AVIF files directly. For everything else, the AVIF converter works in both directions on one page:

  • Images to AVIF: add JPG, PNG, WebP or other images and choose AVIF as the output. An AVIF encoder (libavif compiled to WebAssembly) is downloaded into your browser the first time you need it. Encoding a large photo can take a few seconds. The quality slider starts at 60.
  • AVIF to JPG, PNG or WebP: add AVIF files and choose the output format. Modern browsers read AVIF natively, so this direction is fast.
  • AVIF to PDF: the image to PDF tool puts AVIF images onto PDF pages.

Everything happens in your browser, and your files are not uploaded.

Frequently asked questions

Is AVIF better than WebP?

For photos, AVIF usually gives smaller files at the same visible quality. WebP encodes much faster and opens in more programs. Many sites use AVIF with WebP as a fallback.

Why is AVIF encoding so slow?

The AV1 codec searches through many more ways of compressing each part of the image than older formats do. That is what makes the files small, and it costs time.

What quality setting should I use for AVIF?

Quality numbers are not comparable between formats, so an AVIF at 60 is not the same as a JPG at 60. The converter's default of 60 is a good starting point for photos; compare the result with the original before publishing and adjust from there.