File extensions: AVIF and its specifics

What you need to know about AVIF files?

AVIF, short for AV1 Image File Format, is an open-source, modern image compression format based on the AV1 video codec. Developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), the AVIF files are designed to provide high-quality and efficient video compression. This royalty-free image file extension is suitable for storing images and image sequences compressed using the AV1 codec.

AVIF as an image format

The AVIF extension is an optimized and modern image format that helps keep our images smaller while retaining quality. It is a lossless codec, which means there is no data loss. You can still enjoy high-quality video and, at the same time, give up storage space worries. AOM created the .avif extension to offer better compression efficiency and advanced feature support.

The users of the AVIF file format include big names in tech like Google, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft, etc. This image format is a popular choice among web developers because of its multiple benefits.

• Since AVIF files are royalty-free, you can use them for free, without having licensing issues.
• The file format comes with modern and advanced features, such as HDR (high dynamic range) imaging, transparency, wide color gamut, etc.
• It can store images and image sequences in top-notch quality, thus delivering stunning visuals beyond the quality provided by traditional image formats.
• AVIF files provide optimal compression without losing quality.
• The AVIF file type has a strong backup from tech biggies, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and others.
• The AVIF file format is compatible with major web browsers, like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox. Besides, the image format is also supported by multiple content delivery networks (CDNs) and image editors.

The AVIF file type is a better and more efficient alternative to JPEG, PNG, and other traditional image formats. Since they are designed with advanced image compression techniques from the AV1 codec, AVIFs can deliver superior image quality at low file sizes. As a result, AVIF files can offer faster page load speeds and ensure minimal bandwidth compression for application software and websites.

How to convert AVIF files?

Here are some straightforward steps to convert your AVIF files to the desired output format.

• Open or install an image converter

Choose a reputable image converter and visit its Home page (or any other page where you can start the conversion process). You can either use an online tool or install a file-converting application. Either way, you can have quick results.

• Drag and drop the AVIF file

Next, upload your AVIF files by dragging and dropping in the space provided. Alternatively, you can upload entire folders for batch conversions from your local storage or upload them from the cloud storage portals, including Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

• Select a desired format for file conversion

After uploading your images, select your output format. For example, if you want to convert your AVIF file into JPEG, select .jpeg or JPEG from the online converter’s dropdown list. You can also make other output settings at this stage, such as adjusting the compression level.

• Download the new files

After the conversion is complete, you can click the ‘Download’ button. In some converters, such as MConverter, the converted images will start downloading right away. What’s more, the files will be downloaded in specific folders rather than as a .zip file.

Specifics of AVIF files

Apart from premium performance, AVIF files are known for their animation abilities, making the file format a versatile option for designing complicated user interface (UI) elements and graphics. The good news is that the AVIF format is getting wide acceptance and adoption by major image editing tools, web browsers, operating systems, and content delivery networks (CDNs).

AVIF’s growing ecosystem allows content creators and web developers to adopt this efficient file format and integrate it into their modern and digitized workflows. This image format can create stunning visual experiences that can surpass the image quality of any traditional file format, such as PNG, JPEG, and more.

However, AVIFs have a few limitations, such as limited compatibility with some older browser versions, complex encoding techniques, and lack of proper native support in some image editors. But weighing its benefits with its shortcomings, AVIFs are a clear winner over other image format containers. That’s because they can provide superior image quality and high compression abilities without losing image data while taking up less storage space.

So, enjoy your AVIF files for clear and crisp visuals. Whenever your device, image editing tool, or browser is unable to use this file format, you can always convert a .avif extension to your designed file type, such as JPEG, PNG, PDF, WebP, etc. We hope the above file conversation steps have helped you learn how to convert AVIF to other formats based on your specific requirements.