Convert GIF to AVIF
Turn GIF images into compact AVIF images for modern websites. Everything happens in your browser, so your images never leave your device.
Why convert GIF to AVIF?
GIF's 256-colour limit and heavy animated files make it a poor fit for anything beyond simple graphics and short loops. AVIF usually gives the smallest files of any common format at a given quality, which helps page speed.
Transparency is kept
Both GIF and AVIF support transparency, so transparent areas carry over without a fill colour.
Animated GIF files
If your GIF is animated, only the first frame is converted and you get a still AVIF. Even though AVIF can be animated, Format Hero saves still images only, so the animation isn't carried over. Non-animated GIF files convert as normal.
File size and quality
AVIF is lossy: it drops detail the eye is unlikely to notice in exchange for much smaller files. For photos the AVIF is typically a fraction of the GIF size; for flat graphics and screenshots the saving is smaller. Sharp edges and text can pick up faint artefacts. You can set the AVIF quality before converting; the default of 90% keeps differences hard to spot.
GIF and AVIF compared
| Property | GIF | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless, 256 colours | Lossy or lossless |
| Transparency | On/off only | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | Yes (rarely used) |
| Typical file size | Small for simple graphics; large for animations | Very small |
| Best for | Short animations, simple graphics | Web images where size matters most |
| Support | Universal | Modern browsers; limited in apps |
Questions
Can I convert an animated GIF?
Yes, but only the first frame is kept, so you get a still AVIF.
Will converting GIF to AVIF reduce quality?
Slightly. AVIF is lossy, so very fine detail and sharp edges can soften a little in exchange for a much smaller file. Raise the quality setting if you see artefacts around text or edges.
Can everyone open AVIF files?
Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari (version 16 and later) display AVIF. Outside the browser support is patchy: Windows needs the free AV1 Video Extension, and many editors and upload forms don't accept it yet.
Are my GIF images uploaded anywhere?
No. The conversion runs in your browser, on your own device, so your images are never sent to a server. Once the page and converter have loaded, it keeps working even if your connection drops.