What is an AVIF file?

AVIF is an image format based on the AV1 video codec, released in 2019. It compresses better than JPG and WebP, often around half the size of a JPG at similar quality, and supports transparency, HDR and animation.

Full name: AV1 Image File Format
File extensions: .avif
MIME type: image/avif
Type: Raster image
Compression: Lossy or lossless
Transparency: Yes
Animation: Yes (rarely used)
Format Hero support: Convert from and to

What AVIF is used for

Websites and image CDNs that want the smallest possible files. You'll mostly meet AVIF when saving images from sites that serve it.

Strengths

Very small files at good quality, transparency, and wide colour and HDR support.

Weaknesses

Encoding is slow, and support outside browsers is still limited: many desktop apps, editors and upload forms can't open it yet.

Compatibility

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.

Convert AVIF to another format

Convert other formats to AVIF

Questions

How do I open an AVIF file?

Drag it into a recent version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. On Windows, install the AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store to view it in Photos. If an app can't open it, convert it to JPG or PNG.

Is AVIF lossy or lossless?

AVIF can be either. Most AVIF files on the web are lossy, but the format has a lossless mode too.

Does AVIF support transparency?

Yes. AVIF supports full transparency, including soft edges and shadows.

Can I convert AVIF files without uploading them?

Yes. Format Hero converts AVIF files in your browser, on your own device, so they're never sent to a server. It's free, needs no sign-up and adds no watermark.