Last Updated on 3 months ago by Oğuz Yeşil
WebP replaced JPG and PNG as the go-to web image format for most use cases — but there is a newer format that goes even further. AVIF image format is smaller, sharper, and better suited to the demands of modern web performance than anything that came before it.
Here is what AVIF image format is, how it compares to WebP and JPG, whether you should be using it today, and how to convert your existing images without installing anything.
Quick Answer: AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a next-generation image format that produces files 40–50% smaller than JPG and 20–30% smaller than WebP at the same visual quality. It supports transparency, HDR, and animation. Browser support is above 90% in 2026.
What Is AVIF Image Format?
AVIF image format stands for AV1 Image File Format. It is an image format based on the AV1 video codec, developed by the Alliance for Open Media — a group that includes Google, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, and Mozilla, among others.
The AVIF image format was designed from the ground up to deliver the highest possible image quality at the smallest possible file size. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency (alpha channel), HDR (high dynamic range), and wide colour gamut — making it one of the most capable image formats ever standardised for the web.
Key Features of AVIF Image Format
Strong browser support: 90%+ global coverage in 2026
Smallest file sizes: 40–50% smaller than JPG, 20–30% smaller than WebP
Lossy and lossless compression: Choose quality vs file size based on your needs
Transparency support: Full alpha channel, replacing PNG for web graphics
HDR and wide colour gamut: Display photos with full colour accuracy on modern screens
Animation support: Animated AVIF files are smaller than animated WebP or GIF
Royalty-free: No patent licensing fees, fully open standard
AVIF vs WebP vs JPG — How Do They Compare?
| Feature | JPG | WebP | AVIF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression type | Lossy | Lossy & lossless | Lossy & lossless |
| File size | Small | Smaller | Smallest |
| Transparency | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| HDR support | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Wide colour gamut | ✗ No | ✗ Limited | ✓ Yes |
| Animation support | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Browser support | Universal | 95%+ | 90%+ |
| Encoding speed | Fast | Fast | Slower |
| Best for | Photos, legacy | Web images | High-quality web images |
AVIF image format typically produces files 40–50% smaller than JPG and 20–30% smaller than WebP at equivalent visual quality. For image-heavy websites, that difference is significant — it can improve page load times, reduce bandwidth costs, and boost Core Web Vitals scores.
Related: JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Should You Use?
Why AVIF Image Format Produces Smaller Files
The compression algorithm behind AVIF image format is fundamentally different from the one used in JPG, and more advanced than WebP’s. AV1 — the codec AVIF is based on — was originally developed for video streaming, where compressing large amounts of visual data efficiently is critical.
Applied to still images, this results in compression that preserves fine detail and smooth gradients far better than JPG at the same file size. Where JPG introduces visible blocking artefacts and colour banding at high compression, AVIF image format maintains clean edges and accurate colour with no visible degradation.
Real-World Example
A 1920×1080 photograph saved as:
- JPG (quality 80): ~350 KB
- WebP (quality 80): ~260 KB
- AVIF image format (quality 80): ~180 KB
That is nearly 50% smaller than JPG and 30% smaller than WebP — with no visible quality loss.
What Makes AVIF Image Format Stand Out
HDR and Wide Colour Gamut Support
Most image formats were designed for standard dynamic range displays. AVIF image format natively supports HDR content and wide colour gamut — meaning photographs taken on modern smartphones and cameras can be displayed with full colour accuracy on compatible screens. JPG and WebP simply cannot represent this data correctly.
No Patent Licensing Fees
Unlike some competing formats, AVIF image format is fully open and royalty-free. Any developer or platform can implement it without paying licensing fees, which is one reason it has been adopted so rapidly across browsers and operating systems.
Exceptional Quality at Low File Sizes
At high compression ratios, AVIF image format holds up far better than JPG. This matters for mobile users on slower connections, where every kilobyte counts, and for websites aiming to achieve the best possible Core Web Vitals scores.
Browser Support for AVIF Image Format in 2026
AVIF image format is supported by all major modern browsers as of 2026, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Global browser support sits above 90%, making it a viable choice for most web projects today.
For the small percentage of users on legacy browsers, the HTML <picture> element makes it straightforward to serve AVIF to supported browsers and fall back to WebP or JPG for those that do not.
<picture>
<source srcset="image.avif" type="image/avif">
<source srcset="image.webp" type="image/webp">
<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description">
</picture>This approach gives you the best of all worlds — maximum compression for modern users, reliable fallback for everyone else.
AVIF Image Format Support by Browser
| Browser | AVIF Support | Version |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Yes | 85+ |
| Mozilla Firefox | Yes | 93+ |
| Apple Safari | Yes | 16+ |
| Microsoft Edge | Yes | 85+ |
| Opera | Yes | 71+ |
Should You Use AVIF Image Format on Your Website?
For most websites in 2026, yes — with one caveat.
AVIF encoding is slower than WebP or JPG. If you are converting large numbers of images in real time, this can be a bottleneck. For static images that are converted once and served repeatedly, the encoding time is a one-off cost and the file size savings are permanent.
The typical recommendation is to serve AVIF image format as your primary format with a WebP fallback, using the <picture> element as shown above. This gives you the smallest possible files for the majority of your visitors while maintaining compatibility for everyone else.
AVIF Image Format Is the Right Choice If:
- Page speed and Core Web Vitals scores matter to you
- You have image-heavy pages such as portfolios, e-commerce product listings, or photography sites
- You want to future-proof your image strategy
- You are converting images once and serving them statically
Stick with WebP for Now If:
- Your content management system does not yet support AVIF output
- You need fast bulk conversion of many images
- Your audience includes a significant proportion of legacy browser users
How to Convert Images to AVIF Image Format
Converting your existing JPG or PNG images to AVIF image format is straightforward using an online image converter. No software installation is required — you simply upload your image, select AVIF as the output format, and download the result.
Nesdzo’s free Image Converter supports AVIF image format as an output format alongside JPG, PNG, WebP, and more. The conversion happens entirely in your browser — your files are never uploaded to a server, and there is no sign-up required.
Try it now:Convert JPG to AVIF for free
How to Convert AVIF to JPG
Sometimes you need to convert in the opposite direction — from AVIF image format back to JPG. This is common when:
- You need to edit an image in software that does not support AVIF
- You are sending a file to someone using an older system
- You need maximum compatibility
Using Nesdzo’s Image Converter, you can convert AVIF to JPG in seconds:
- Drag your AVIF file into the converter
- Select JPG as the output format
- Download your converted file
The conversion happens client-side in your browser — no upload, no waiting.
How to Convert AVIF to PNG
If your AVIF image format file contains transparency and you need to preserve it while converting to a more widely supported format, AVIF to PNG is the best option. PNG supports full alpha channel transparency, making it ideal for logos, icons, and graphics.
Nesdzo’s Image Converter also handles AVIF to PNG conversion entirely in your browser. Simply select PNG as the output format and download your file.
AVIF Image Format vs WebP: Which Is Better?
| Use Case | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum compression | AVIF | 20–30% smaller than WebP |
| Fast encoding | WebP | AVIF encoding is slower |
| Universal compatibility | WebP | 95%+ vs 90%+ browser support |
| HDR content | AVIF | WebP does not support HDR |
| Animation | AVIF | Smaller file sizes than animated WebP |
| E-commerce photos | AVIF | Better quality at smaller sizes |
For most modern websites, AVIF image format is the better choice as the primary format, with WebP as the fallback.
Is AVIF Image Format Good for SEO?
Yes. Smaller image files improve page load speed, which is a confirmed Google ranking factor and directly affects Core Web Vitals scores. Switching to AVIF image format can meaningfully improve your:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Faster image loading
- Total Blocking Time (TBT): Less bandwidth usage
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Properly sized images
Google has explicitly stated that page speed is a ranking factor for both desktop and mobile search. By using AVIF image format, you can reduce image file sizes by up to 50% without quality loss — a direct SEO win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AVIF stand for?
AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format. It is based on the AV1 video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media.
What is AVIF image format used for?
AVIF image format is used for delivering high-quality images on the web at the smallest possible file size. It is ideal for websites, e-commerce, photography portfolios, and any application where image performance matters.
Is AVIF better than WebP?
In most cases, yes.AVIF image format produces smaller file sizes than WebP at equivalent quality and supports HDR and wide colour gamut, which WebP does not. However, AVIF encoding is slower and browser support, while strong, is slightly lower than WebP.
Is AVIF supported by all browsers?
AVIF image format is supported by all major modern browsers as of 2026, with global support above 90%. For legacy browser compatibility, use the HTML <picture> element to serve WebP or JPG as a fallback.
Can I convert JPG to AVIF for free?
Yes.Nesdzo’s free Image Converter lets you convert JPG, PNG, WebP, and other formats to AVIF image format directly in your browser, with no sign-up or software required.
Can I convert AVIF to JPG?
Yes. You can convert AVIF to JPG using Nesdzo’s Image Converter. The conversion happens entirely in your browser — no upload needed.
Can I convert AVIF to PNG?
Yes. If you need to preserve transparency, convert AVIF to PNG using our free Image Converter.
Does AVIF support transparency?
Yes.AVIF image format supports transparency (alpha channel), making it suitable as a replacement for PNG as well as JPG.
Is AVIF good for SEO?
Yes. Smaller image files improve page load speed, which is a confirmed Google ranking factor. Switching to AVIF image format can improve your Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and overall Core Web Vitals scores.
Will AVIF replace JPG?
Eventually, yes — but not overnight. JPG will remain relevant for legacy systems and quick editing for years to come. However, for new web projects, AVIF image format should be the default choice with JPG as the fallback.
About the Author: Oğuz is the founder of Nesdzo Ltd, a UK-based software company building free, privacy-first tools for everyday digital tasks.