AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a AVIF format commonly used for high-compression web images, hero photos, responsive image sets. This guide covers compatibility, compression, transparency, and conversion choices.
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Transparency | alpha |
| Animation | sequence |
| Primary uses | optimized web images, high-compression photos, transparent modern web graphics |
Extension
.avif
Compression
both
Browser support
modern_major
Inventor
Alliance for Open Media
Inventor organization
Alliance for Open Media
Origin year
2019
Strong compression
Alpha support
Modern color feature model
Slower encoding
Less legacy support
AVIF is a high-compression modern image format based on AV1 coding in a HEIF-compatible container. It can deliver very small files for photos and graphics, but encoding can be slower and legacy support is weaker than JPG or PNG.
AVIF was created by the Alliance for Open Media to bring AV1 compression capabilities to still images and image sequences.
Convert JPG/PNG/WebP to AVIF for modern web delivery. Offer JPG/PNG/WebP fallbacks where compatibility matters.
AVIF can produce strong compression, but aggressive settings may introduce smoothing, color shifts, or detail loss. Encoder effort and quality settings matter.
AVIF/HEIF containers can carry Exif, XMP, ICC, and item-property metadata. Strip personal metadata intentionally while preserving color information when needed.
Modern web/library support; older desktop support varies.
format slug
avif
inventor
Alliance for Open Media
strengths
Strong compression, Alpha support, Modern color feature model
use cases
optimized web images, high-compression photos, transparent modern web graphics
weaknesses
Slower encoding, Less legacy support
color depth
Supports AV1 bit depths and advanced color signaling; practical support depends on implementation.
compression
both
origin year
2019
standard owner
Alliance for Open Media
browser support
modern_major
metadata support
Exif, XMP, ICC, HEIF item properties
software support
Modern web/library support; older desktop support varies.
animation support
sequence
compression method
AV1 image coding in a HEIF-compatible container
best source formats
jpg, png, webp, heic
best target formats
jpg, png, webp
transparency support
alpha
inventor organization
Alliance for Open Media
AVIF transparency support is: alpha. Choose a target format with alpha support when transparent backgrounds matter.
Convert AVIF when another format better matches compatibility, file size, transparency, metadata, or editing needs.
Often yes for photos, but results depend on encoder settings, image content, and acceptable encoding time.
AV1-based encoding is computationally heavier than many older image encoders, especially at high effort settings.
Use AVIF for modern web delivery with fallbacks. For universal sharing, JPG or PNG may still be safer.
Alliance for Open Media - official_spec
MDN Web Docs - browser_documentation
ExifTool - library_documentation
sharp - library_documentation