What is an AVIF file?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a modern image format based on the AV1 video codec, developed by the Alliance for Open Media - Google, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix and others. It typically produces smaller files than both JPG and WebP at the same visual quality.
AVIF supports transparency, HDR and wide color, which makes it a favorite for fast websites. Support outside browsers is still patchy, so downloaded AVIF files often need converting.
How to open an AVIF file
Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari 16+ display AVIF. Windows 11 opens it in Photos once the free AV1 Video Extension is installed; macOS Ventura and later preview it. For editors and forms that refuse it, convert to JPG or PNG.
- Extension
- .avif
- Compression
- Lossy or lossless (AV1)
- Transparency
- Yes
- Best for
- The smallest high-quality web images