What is a AVIF File?
Everything you need to know about Apple's High Efficiency Image Format
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a next-generation image format that uses advanced AV1 video codec compression to deliver superior image quality at significantly smaller file sizes than JPEG, PNG, and even WebP. It offers better compression efficiency, supports HDR, wide color gamut, and transparency.
Understanding AVIF Format
AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format, and it's based on the AV1 video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia). Released in 2019, AVIF has gained rapid adoption by major browsers, tech companies, and content platforms due to its exceptional compression efficiency and royalty-free licensing.
The format uses the AV1 codec for compression, the same technology behind high-quality video streaming on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. This advanced compression technology allows AVIF files to maintain excellent image quality while using up to 50% less storage space than JPEG and 20-30% less than WebP.
Why Use AVIF Format
50% Smaller Files
AVIF files are typically 50% smaller than JPEG at the same quality level, and 20-30% smaller than WebP, meaning you can store more images while using less bandwidth and storage space.
Superior Quality
AVIF maintains superior image quality with support for 10-bit and 12-bit color depth, HDR, and wide color gamut (WCG), far exceeding JPEG's 8-bit limitation.
Advanced Features
AVIF supports full alpha transparency, animated images, multiple layers, and lossless compression—combining the best features of PNG, GIF, and JPEG in one format.
Universal Browser Support
AVIF is supported by all major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, making it ideal for modern web applications and content delivery.
AVIF vs JPEG: Key Differences
| Feature | AVIF | JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| File Size | 50% smaller ✓ | Larger |
| Image Quality | Superior ✓ | Good |
| Color Depth | 16-bit ✓ | 8-bit |
| Transparency | Yes ✓ | No |
| Compatibility | Excellent ✓ | Universal ✓ |
| Browser Support | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge ✓ | All browsers ✓ |
Benefits of AVIF Files
- ✓Exceptional compression - Up to 50% smaller than JPEG and 30% smaller than WebP at the same quality
- ✓Superior image quality - Advanced AV1 codec maintains detail and color accuracy better than older formats
- ✓Full alpha transparency - Like PNG but with dramatically smaller file sizes
- ✓Animation support - Can replace animated GIFs and PNGs with better compression
- ✓HDR and WCG support - 10-bit and 12-bit color depth for premium displays
- ✓Royalty-free - No licensing fees, making it ideal for commercial use
- ✓Browser support - Works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera
Drawbacks of AVIF Files
- ✗Slower encoding - Creating AVIF files takes longer than JPEG or WebP
- ✗Limited software support - Not all image editors and viewers support AVIF yet
- ✗Older browser compatibility - Internet Explorer and older browsers don't support AVIF
- ✗Higher CPU usage - Decoding AVIF requires more processing power than JPEG
When to Use AVIF vs JPEG
Use AVIF When:
- • Building modern websites and web applications
- • Optimizing image delivery and reducing bandwidth costs
- • Working with high-quality images that need smaller file sizes
- • Targeting users with modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- • Needing transparency with better compression than PNG
- • Creating animated images as a GIF replacement
Use JPEG When:
- • Maximum compatibility is required (including older browsers)
- • Working with software that doesn't support AVIF
- • Fast encoding speed is more important than file size
- • Targeting users with older devices or browsers
- • You need a proven, universally compatible format
Need to Convert AVIF Files?
Use our free online converter to instantly transform AVIF files to JPEG, PNG, or PDF format.