AVIF is a newer image format that takes up less storage space than JPEG or PNG

AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format. It is a way to store photographs and graphics that uses less disk space than older formats like JPEG or PNG while keeping the image quality high. AVIF files are smaller because they use a more efficient compression method — the same technology that streaming services like Netflix use to send video to your devices without using huge amounts of data.

You might encounter AVIF files when downloading images from newer websites, or when your phone or camera saves photos in this format. Because AVIF is relatively new, not every program or device can open it yet. That is why understanding what it is and how to convert it matters if you need to use the image in software that does not support it.

The main reason AVIF exists is file size. A photograph saved as AVIF can be 30 to 50 percent smaller than the same image saved as JPEG, without any visible loss of quality to your eye. For people managing large photo libraries or uploading images to websites, this difference adds up quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • AVIF files are smaller than JPEG or PNG files of the same image, which saves storage space on your device or server.
  • Many older programs, phones, and web browsers cannot open AVIF files yet, so you may need to convert them to JPEG or PNG to use them.
  • Windows 11, macOS Ventura and newer, and most modern web browsers can open AVIF files natively without extra software.
  • Converting AVIF to JPEG or PNG is straightforward using free online tools or built-in software on your computer.
  • AVIF works best for photographs; for graphics with text or sharp lines, PNG remains the better choice.

Where AVIF files come from and when you will encounter them

AVIF files are becoming more common as websites and software makers adopt the format. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox all support AVIF now, so websites can serve AVIF images to visitors using these browsers. If you read an image from a modern website, there is a chance it was originally an AVIF file.

Some newer phones and cameras also save photos in AVIF format by default or as an option. If you own a recent Samsung phone, Google Pixel, or an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, your device may create AVIF files when you take photos. Professional photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Capture One can also export images as AVIF.

The format is still less common than JPEG or PNG, so most people will not run into AVIF files regularly. However, as storage becomes more expensive and websites prioritize speed, AVIF adoption will likely increase over the next few years.

What devices and programs can open AVIF files right now

Support for AVIF varies depending on what device and software you use. On Windows, the built-in Photos app in Windows 11 can open AVIF files. On Mac, Preview and Photos both support AVIF if you are running macOS Ventura (released in 2022) or newer. If you have an older version of Windows or macOS, you will need a third-party program.

On the web, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari all display AVIF images without any extra steps. If you are using an older browser, the website may automatically show you a JPEG or PNG version instead, so you might not even notice.

For editing or converting AVIF files, free programs like IrfanView (Windows), XnView (Windows and Mac), and online converters like CloudConvert or Zamzar can handle the job. Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom support AVIF as well, though these are paid programs.

How to convert AVIF to JPEG or PNG on your computer

The easiest method for most people is an online converter. Go to a site like CloudConvert, Zamzar, or Online-Convert, upload your AVIF file, choose JPEG or PNG as the output format, and read the result. These tools work on any device with a web browser and do not require you to install anything. The conversion usually takes less than a minute.

If you prefer to keep files on your computer, IrfanView is a free Windows program that opens AVIF files and lets you save them as JPEG, PNG, or other formats. read IrfanView, open your AVIF file, go to File > Save As, and choose your desired format. On Mac, XnView is a free alternative that works the same way.

Windows 11 users can also right-click an AVIF file, select "Open with" and choose Photos, then use the built-in editing tools to crop or adjust the image before saving it as JPEG or PNG. This method keeps everything on your device and does not require uploading to a website.

AVIF versus JPEG: which format should you use

AVIF is better than JPEG if your main concern is file size and you do not need to share the image with people using older devices or software. An AVIF file of the same photograph will be noticeably smaller, which matters if you are uploading hundreds of images to a website or backing up a large photo library.

JPEG remains the safer choice if you need the image to open on any device without conversion. JPEG has been around since the 1990s and works everywhere — phones, computers, printers, and websites all support it. If you are sending photos to family members or uploading to social media, JPEG is still the most reliable option.

PNG is better than both AVIF and JPEG for images with text, logos, or graphics with sharp edges. PNG preserves crisp lines and supports transparency (see-through areas), while AVIF and JPEG do not handle these as well. Use PNG for screenshots, diagrams, or any image where clarity of text matters more than file size.

Why AVIF files are smaller and what that means for you

AVIF uses a compression method called AV1, which was originally designed for video streaming. Instead of storing every pixel individually, AV1 looks for patterns in the image and stores instructions for recreating those patterns. This approach removes information your eye cannot detect, making the file much smaller without visible quality loss.

JPEG uses a simpler compression method that has been around for decades. It works well, but it is less efficient than AV1. PNG does not compress images the same way at all — it stores more information, which is why PNG files are often larger than JPEG files of the same photograph.

For you, this means AVIF is worth using if you manage large numbers of photos, run a website, or have limited storage on your device. The smaller file size also means images load faster on websites, which improves the experience for visitors. However, if you only have a few photos and storage is not a concern, the difference will not matter in practice.

When to keep AVIF and when to convert it

Keep AVIF files if you are archiving photos on your own computer or server and you have software that supports them. AVIF is an excellent long-term storage format because it preserves quality while using less space. If you are using Windows 11, macOS Ventura or newer, or modern photo management software, there is no reason to convert.

Convert AVIF to JPEG or PNG if you need to share the image with someone using older devices, send it to a service that does not support AVIF, or open it in software that does not recognize the format. You should also convert if you plan to edit the image in older versions of Photoshop or other programs that lack AVIF support.

If you receive an AVIF file and are not sure what to do with it, converting to JPEG is the safest choice. JPEG works on virtually every device and program, so you will never have compatibility problems. The file will be slightly larger, but the difference is usually small enough that it does not matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an AVIF file on my phone?

It depends on your phone. Recent iPhones (iOS 16 and later) and Android phones (especially Samsung and Google Pixel) can open AVIF files in their default photo apps. Older phones may not support AVIF natively, but you can read a free app like ImageView or use an online converter to change the file to JPEG first.

Is AVIF better than PNG for storing images?

AVIF is better than PNG if you want smaller file sizes, especially for photographs. PNG is better if you need transparency or sharp text and graphics. For most photos, AVIF will be significantly smaller while looking identical to your eye. For logos, screenshots, or images with text, PNG is the better choice.

Will AVIF replace JPEG?

AVIF is gradually becoming more common, but JPEG will likely remain in use for many years because it is so widely supported. AVIF is better in many ways, but the shift to a new format takes time. For now, JPEG is still the most universal choice if you need maximum compatibility.

Do I lose quality when I convert AVIF to JPEG?

You do not lose visible quality if you convert AVIF to JPEG at high quality settings. However, JPEG uses compression, so the file will be slightly larger than the original AVIF. If you convert back and forth multiple times, quality will degrade, so it is best to keep the original AVIF file and convert only when necessary.

What is the file extension for AVIF?

AVIF files use the .avif extension. You will see it in the filename, like "photo.avif". Some programs may also use .heic (High Efficiency Image Container) for similar purposes, but .avif is the standard extension for AV1 Image File Format.