What Is AVIF?
AVIF is the newest major image format, based on AV1 video compression. It delivers the smallest photo files on the web today. Learn how it works.
Explain AVIF from scratch: the AV1 based codec with the best photo compression today, its support, and when to use it. AVIF cuts file size well below JPG and WebP.
How it works
The short answer
AVIF is a modern image format based on the AV1 video codec. It compresses photos to the smallest files of any widely supported format, typically beating JPG by 50 percent or more at similar quality. All modern browsers can display it.
How AVIF works
AVIF encodes still images using the AV1 video compression standard, which was built for high efficiency streaming. Reusing that codec gives still images the same dramatic compression, storing far less data per pixel without visible loss.
Compression advantage
For the same photo at the same quality, AVIF is usually 50 percent smaller than JPG and 20 to 50 percent smaller than WebP. The advantage is largest for detailed photographs, gradients and noise, where older codecs spend many bytes.
Modes and features
AVIF supports lossy and lossless compression, full transparency, and animation. That makes it capable of replacing JPG, PNG and animated GIF on modern sites, while using less data than each of them.
Browser support
Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari all support AVIF, covering modern web traffic. Support is newer than WebP, so very old browsers and some editing tools cannot open it yet. A fallback format covers those cases.
When to choose AVIF
Choose AVIF for photo heavy modern websites where file size drives performance. Serve it with a WebP or JPG fallback for older clients. Avoid it when the file must open in legacy software or email without any conversion step.
Encoding considerations
AVIF encoding is slower than JPG or WebP because AV1 compression is computationally expensive. A single photo takes a moment longer, and very large batches need more time. The file size payoff usually justifies the wait for web delivery.
Format comparison
| Format | Compression | Transparency | Browser support | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPG.jpg | Lossy (discards some detail) | No | All browsers and devices | Photographs and images with smooth color gradients |
| WebP.webp | Lossy (discards some detail) | Yes | All modern browsers (2011+) | Web images that need both quality and small file size |
| AVIF.avif | Lossy (discards some detail) | Yes | All modern browsers (2020+) | Modern web photos with the best compression at high quality |
Frequently asked questions
What makes AVIF so efficient?
AVIF uses the AV1 video codec, which compresses still images far more efficiently than the older techniques behind JPG, typically cutting file size by half.
Is AVIF supported in all browsers?
All modern browsers support AVIF, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Some older versions and tools still do not, so keep a fallback.
Does AVIF support transparency?
Yes, AVIF supports a full alpha channel, so it can replace PNG for transparent web graphics with a smaller file.
Why is AVIF encoding slow?
AV1 compression is computationally heavy, so encoding AVIF takes longer than JPG or WebP. The smaller output usually makes it worth the wait.
Should I convert my site to AVIF?
If your visitors use modern browsers, AVIF cuts file size the most. Serve it with a WebP or JPG fallback and test that older clients still load.