What Is an AVIF File?The Next-Generation Image Format
A clear explanation of AVIF — how it compares to WebP and JPG, current browser and device support, and how to convert AVIF files.
AVIF is a next-generation image format based on the AV1 video codec. It achieves better compression than both WebP and JPG, and supports HDR, wide color gamut, transparency and animation. AVIF can maintain image quality at significantly smaller file sizes, though compatibility is still catching up — older browsers and some software do not yet support it, so conversion may be needed for cross-platform sharing.
What Is AVIF?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is derived from the open AV1 video codec, developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM). At equivalent quality, AVIF files are typically smaller than WebP and significantly smaller than JPG. It also supports 10/12-bit color, HDR, wide color gamut, transparency and animation — making it one of the most compression-efficient mainstream image formats available today.
Current compatibility
Chrome, Edge, Firefox and recent versions of Safari support AVIF, but coverage still lags behind WebP. Older browsers, some operating systems and various tools do not yet recognize it. Encoding AVIF is also notably slower. As a result, the common approach is a progressive strategy: serve AVIF where supported and fall back to WebP or JPG elsewhere.
AVIF: Pros and Cons
- Industry-leading compression — often smaller than WebP at the same quality
- HDR, wide color gamut and 10/12-bit color support
- Supports transparency and animation; open and royalty-free
- Compatibility lags behind WebP; unsupported in older environments
- Encoding is slow and CPU-intensive
- Tooling and ecosystem support still maturing
AVIF vs WebP / JPG
| Dimension | AVIF | WebP / JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Best-in-class | WebP good / JPG moderate |
| Quality ceiling | HDR / wide gamut / high bit depth | Standard dynamic range |
| Compatibility | Modern environments; still expanding | WebP broad / JPG universal |
| Encoding speed | Slow | Fast |
| Best for | Maximum performance optimization | Reliable, broad-use delivery |
When to Use AVIF
Maximum compression with fallback
Use AVIF as the primary format with WebP/JPG as fallbacks.
HDR / high-fidelity visuals
Use AVIF for content requiring wide color gamut and high bit depth.
Universal sharing / compatibility first
Stick with JPG or WebP when targeting unknown environments.
Convert & Learn More
AVIF FAQ
It generally wins on compression ratio and quality ceiling, but falls behind on compatibility and encoding speed. Use AVIF with a fallback when pushing for the smallest possible files; use WebP for broad, reliable coverage.
Older browsers and operating systems haven't yet added AVIF support. Converting to JPG or PNG will allow it to open anywhere.
Not with Widantoo — conversion happens locally in your browser and your images are never uploaded. Note that AVIF encoding support varies by browser; the tool will show a clear status.