TUTORIAL + ONLINE VIEWER

How to Open AVIF Files

Open an AVIF file directly in your browser, or follow the steps below to view AVIF images on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.

AVIF is a modern image format based on AV1 coding. If an app rejects the .avif extension, you can still preview it here or convert it to JPG or PNG.

ONLINE: Preview in your browser
LOCAL: Files stay on your device
FALLBACK: Convert to JPG or PNG

Drop an AVIF file here to preview itor click to choose a fileChoose AVIF File

Supports .avif · Up to 25 MB · About 24 megapixels · Preview stays on your device

Files are processed locally in your browser. They are not uploaded to our server.

No sign-up

Files never leave your device

Works on desktop and mobile browsers

QUICK ANSWER

How Can I Open an AVIF File?

There are three practical ways to open an AVIF image:

1
Open it in a modern browser
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari can display most AVIF files. Drag the file into a tab, or use the preview tool above.
2
Use an OS or image app that supports AVIF
Photos on recent Windows and iOS, Preview/Quick Look on newer macOS, and many Android gallery apps can open still AVIF images.
3
Convert AVIF to JPG or PNG when the app does not support it
If the place you need to use the image still rejects .avif, convert once and share the more compatible file.

Short on format background? Read what AVIF is — this page stays focused on opening and viewing files.

WINDOWS

How to Open AVIF Files on Windows

Method 1: Try the Photos app

Double-click the AVIF file and see whether your installed Windows image components can decode it. Support varies by Windows build and optional codecs — if Photos shows a blank or an error, move to method 2.

Method 2: Open AVIF in a browser

Drag the .avif file into a Chrome, Edge, or Firefox window. If the browser supports AVIF, the image appears immediately without installing extra software.

Method 3: Convert AVIF to JPG

When Photos will not open the file, an editor rejects it, or you need to send the image to someone else, convert it once to a format almost every Windows app accepts.

Convert AVIF to JPG →

MAC

How to Open AVIF Files on Mac

Finder and Quick Look

Select the file in Finder and press Space for Quick Look. On recent macOS versions this often works for still AVIF images.

Preview or Photos

Open the file with Preview or Photos if your system version supports AVIF. If the app fails, the file is not necessarily damaged — the app may simply lack the codec.

Browser or convert

Drag the file into Safari, Chrome, or Firefox. Still stuck? Convert to JPG or PNG so older Mac apps and shared workflows can open it.

IPHONE & IPAD

How to Open AVIF Files on iPhone or iPad

Browser first.
Open the file in Safari or another modern browser when the attachment or download is available as a file URL or local share.
Files and Photos vary by source.
Whether Files or Photos shows the image depends on your iOS/iPadOS version and how the file arrived (email, chat, cloud drive).
Convert when the target app rejects .avif.
Chat apps and upload forms often want JPG. Use a free online conversion when you need to forward or upload the picture.

Convert AVIF to JPG Online →

ANDROID

How to Open AVIF Files on Android

Chrome or another browser.
Open the download or drag/share the file into the browser when possible.
Gallery apps on recent Android.
Many devices since Android 12 decode still AVIF natively. If your gallery shows an unsupported-format message, try the online preview above.
Convert for sharing.
When a messaging app or form will not accept AVIF, convert to JPG or PNG first.

BROWSER

How to Open an AVIF File in a Browser

You do not need to install desktop software to view most AVIF images.

1
Open a new browser tab or window.
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari are good choices on a current version.
2
Drag the .avif file into the window.
You can also use File → Open File if your browser offers it.
3
If supported, the image displays directly.
If the browser cannot display it, use the AVIF preview tool above or convert the file to JPG/PNG.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Why Can't I Open an AVIF File?

An unreadable AVIF is usually a compatibility problem, not proof the file is useless.

The app does not support AVIF: Many editors, chat apps, and older tools still expect JPG or PNG only.
The OS or image codec is outdated: System viewers need a recent build or optional codec pack before they can decode AVIF.
File association is wrong: Windows or macOS may hand the file to an app that cannot decode it. Try Open With → browser.
The download is damaged or incomplete: Re-download the file if the size looks wrong or preview fails everywhere.
Animated AVIF vs still AVIF: Some apps open a single-frame AVIF but fail on multi-frame sequences. The preview tool labels animated files when it can read them.

What to try next

Can your app open AVIF?
        │
   Yes ─┴─ No
    │       │
  Open    Try browser
            │
            ↓
       Still doesn't open?
            │
            ↓
      Convert to JPG/PNG

IF NOTHING OPENS IT

What to Do If Your App Doesn't Support AVIF

Can't open your AVIF file? Convert it to a more widely usable format — free, private, and processed in your browser.

Convert AVIF to JPG Best default for sharing, email, print, and older software. Convert AVIF to PNG Keeps transparent backgrounds when you still need alpha. Convert AVIF to WebP Modern web format with broad tool support, including animation.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I open an AVIF file?

Use a modern browser (drag the file into a tab), a system or gallery app that supports AVIF, or the online preview on this page. If the app you need still rejects the file, convert AVIF to JPG or PNG.

How can I open AVIF files on Windows?

Double-click the file in the Photos app first. If it will not open, drag the file into Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, or convert it to JPG for apps that still lack AVIF support. See the Windows section.

How do I open AVIF files on Mac?

Try Quick Look or Preview on a recent macOS version, or open the file in Safari, Chrome, or Firefox. If a specific Mac app rejects .avif, convert it to JPG or PNG. See the Mac section.

Can I open AVIF files in Chrome or another browser?

Yes. Current Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari can display AVIF. Open a new tab and drag the .avif file into the window, or use the preview tool above.

Why won't my AVIF file open?

Usually the app lacks AVIF support, the OS image codec is outdated, the file association is wrong, or the download is incomplete. Animated AVIF can also fail in apps that only handle still images. Try a browser, then convert if needed — details in Why can't I open an AVIF file?.

Can I view an AVIF file online without installing software?

Yes. Use the Open an AVIF File tool on this page. Preview runs locally in your browser — the file is not uploaded to our server. See the Privacy page.

Can AVIF files be animated?

Yes. Some AVIF files contain multiple frames rather than a single still image. The preview tool labels animated files when your browser can read the sequence. For conversion, use AVIF to WebP or AVIF to GIF.

What should I convert AVIF to if my app doesn't support it?

Choose JPG for maximum compatibility (photos, email, older software). Choose PNG when you need a transparent background. Choose WebP when you want a modern web format many tools already accept.

STILL STUCK?

Can't open your AVIF file?

Convert it to JPG in your browser in seconds — free, no sign-up, no upload.

Convert AVIF to JPG