What is AVIF? The Next-Gen Image Format Explained

Just as we finally got used to WEBP replacing JPEG, a new contender has entered the ring: AVIF. Based on the AV1 video codec, AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is an open-source, royalty-free image format that is rapidly becoming the gold standard for web images.

The hype is completely justified. AVIF provides significantly better compression than both JPEG and WEBP. It can shrink an image to half the size of a standard JPEG while actually preserving more detail, fewer compression artifacts, and supporting advanced features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) and wide color gamuts.

Major tech companies like Netflix, Google, and Apple are pushing AVIF adoption heavily. As a result, you'll start noticing that when you try to save an image from a modern website, it downloads as an .avif file.

The catch? While modern web browsers support AVIF natively, many older operating systems, default photo viewers, and messaging apps still do not. If you try to open an AVIF on a Windows 10 machine without the right extensions, or upload it to an older content management system, you will hit a brick wall.

That's where converting AVIF back to JPG or PNG becomes necessary. Converting an AVIF to JPG allows you to instantly share it anywhere, ensuring universal compatibility. As the transition to AVIF continues over the next few years, keeping a reliable online converter bookmarked will save you from endless format-compatibility headaches.