FORMAT GUIDE

What is AVIF?

AVIF is a modern image format that stores photos in much smaller files than JPEG — while keeping them looking sharp. Here’s what it is, why websites use it, and how to open .avif files.

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is an open, royalty-free image format created by the Alliance for Open Media. It uses AV1 compression — the same technology behind modern video — to make image files over 50% smaller than JPEG with similar quality.

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THE BASICS

What is an AVIF file?

AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format — an image format created by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), a group whose members include Google, Microsoft, Netflix, and Mozilla. It was first released in 2019 and is open and royalty-free.

The image data is compressed with the AV1 video codec and stored inside a HEIF container. A handy way to picture it: think of an AVIF file as a single-frame AV1 video — that’s why it compresses so well.

AVIF files use the .avif extension and the MIME type image/avif.

Websites love it because smaller files load faster and use less bandwidth — that’s why you’re seeing more .avif files than ever.

HOW IT WORKS

How does AVIF compression work?

AVIF borrows the same compression tricks used for modern video, which is why it can be dramatically smaller than JPEG at similar quality:

1
Split into blocks.
The image is divided into small blocks.
2
Predict and compare.
Each block is predicted from its neighbors, so only the differences are saved.
3
Trim what you won’t notice.
Important visual detail is kept; less noticeable detail is trimmed.
4
Pack it up.
The compressed data is packed into the HEIF container.

AVIF supports both lossy and lossless modes — but in practice most AVIF files are lossy. We don’t promise “no quality loss”; the format trades some detail for much smaller files.

WHY IT’S USED

Why do websites use AVIF?

Smaller files, faster pages
Over 50% smaller than JPEG and over 30% smaller than WebP at similar quality, according to the format’s official group (AOMedia).
HDR and wide color
Supports high dynamic range and wide color gamut, which look great on modern screens.
Transparency
Includes an alpha channel, so AVIF can keep transparent backgrounds like PNG.
Animation
Can store image sequences like GIF or animated WebP.
Open, royalty-free standard
No one company owns it, and it has backing from Netflix, Google, and others.

That’s why your website or phone may hand you an .avif file even though you never asked for one — and why you might not be able to open it everywhere yet.

HONEST LIMITS

What are AVIF’s downsides?

Compatibility is still mixed.
All major browsers support AVIF since 2024, but some system apps, older devices, and social platforms (like WhatsApp and Discord) still don’t.
No progressive loading.
AVIF can’t show a blurry preview that sharpens while loading, the way JPEG can.
Higher encoding cost.
Creating AVIF takes more compute than JPEG or WebP — relevant for websites, not for everyday users.
Editing tool support is still growing.
Some older image editors can’t open it. See the supported apps below.

If you received an .avif and your device can’t show it, converting it to JPG (or PNG) is the fastest fix — follow our step-by-step conversion guide.

COMPARISON

AVIF vs JPEG vs WebP at a glance

How the three most common modern image formats compare
Feature	AVIF	JPEG	WebP
File size	Smallest of the three	Largest	Middle
Quality at same size	Excellent	Good	Good
Transparency	Yes (alpha)	No	Yes
Animation	Yes	No	Yes
HDR / wide color	Yes	No	No
Works everywhere?	Most modern browsers & devices; some apps still lack support	Nearly everything	Very widely supported
Best for	Modern websites, fast loading	Maximum compatibility, sharing, print	Widely compatible web images

Numbers vary by image content; the “over 50% smaller” figure comes from the format’s official group (AOMedia) and real results depend on your image.

If compatibility matters most to you, converting AVIF to JPG is the safest choice for sharing and uploading.

Want the full head-to-head? Read the AVIF vs JPG comparison.

SUPPORT

Can I open an AVIF file?

Where AVIF works, and where it still may not
Platform	Support
Chrome / Edge / Firefox / Safari	Yes — supported in all major browsers since 2024; around 93%+ of global users can decode AVIF
Windows 10 / 11	Mostly — viewable in most cases; some older versions need the `AV1 Video Extension` from the Microsoft Store
macOS	Yes — newer Preview and Photos support AVIF
Android	Yes — native support since Android 12
iOS	Yes — native support since iOS 16
Photoshop / Illustrator	Yes — recent versions support it (Photoshop 2022+)
Older devices / some social apps	No — still may not display AVIF

AVIF has come a long way, but support is still uneven. If your app shows a blank or says “format not supported,” convert the file once to JPG and it will open almost anywhere.

CAN’T OPEN IT?

Can’t open an AVIF file?

You have three easy options:

1
Most modern browsers open AVIF directly.
Drag the file into Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari and it will display.
2
Convert it to JPG or PNG.
Use our free AVIF to JPG converter for maximum compatibility, or the AVIF to PNG converter to keep transparency. Both run locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
3
Install the codec (Windows).
If Windows can’t preview the file, install the AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store.

If you need the file as a JPG, our free converter does it in your browser — no sign-up, no upload.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Good to know.

What does AVIF stand for?

AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format. It’s an open image format that uses AV1 video compression technology to store pictures.

Is AVIF better than JPEG?

AVIF files are usually much smaller with similar quality, which is great for websites. JPEG is still more widely compatible, so it’s the safer choice for sharing and uploading. Use our AVIF to JPG converter when you need that compatibility.

Is AVIF a lossless format?

AVIF supports both lossy and lossless modes, but in practice most AVIF files are lossy. Detail that was already discarded when the AVIF was created can’t be recovered by converting it.

Does AVIF support transparency?

Yes. AVIF has an alpha channel, so it can store transparent backgrounds just like PNG.

Why can’t I open an AVIF file?

Some older software, older devices, and a few social apps don’t support the format yet. Open it in a modern browser or convert it to JPG or PNG.

Is AVIF safe to use?

AVIF is an open, royalty-free standard, so it has no licensing cost or single-company lock-in. Support does vary by device, which is why checking compatibility matters.

How do I convert AVIF to JPG?

Use our free AVIF to JPG converter. Files are processed locally in your browser and never uploaded to a server — see our Privacy page for details.

Is AVIF better than WebP?

AVIF generally compresses better than WebP, but WebP is supported in more places. The right choice depends on which browsers and devices your audience uses.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

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