What Is AVIF? The Complete Guide to the AV1 Image Format
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a modern image format that delivers smaller file sizes and better visual quality than JPEG, PNG, and WebP. Built on the open-source AV1 video codec, it is fast becoming the standard for high-performance web images.
What Does AVIF Stand For?
AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format. The name reflects its origin: the format stores still images and image sequences using the AV1 codec, packaged inside the ISOBMFF (ISO Base Media File Format) container, the same container used by MP4 video files.
The Alliance for Open Media (AOM) developed AVIF as a royalty-free alternative to HEIC (the image format tied to HEVC video). Founding AOM members include Google, Apple, Mozilla, Netflix, Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, and ARM. This backing gave AVIF rapid adoption across all major browsers and platforms.
How AVIF Compression Works
AVIF borrows the prediction, transform, and entropy coding tools from the AV1 video codec and applies them to individual frames. The result is a compression algorithm far more sophisticated than the DCT-based compression used in JPEG or the VP8/VP9 techniques used in WebP.
AVIF Compression Techniques
- Intra-frame prediction (directional and DC)
- Transform block sizes from 4x4 to 64x64
- In-loop deblocking and CDEF filters
- Film grain synthesis for natural textures
- Loop restoration filter for sharpness
JPEG Compression (for comparison)
- 8x8 DCT blocks only
- Fixed quantization tables
- No in-loop filters
- No grain synthesis
- Limited chroma subsampling options
These advanced tools let AVIF achieve the same perceptual quality as JPEG at roughly half the file size, or match WebP at 20 to 30 percent smaller files.
Key Technical Features of AVIF
| Feature | AVIF | JPEG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bit depth | 8, 10, 12-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| HDR support | Yes | No | No |
| Alpha transparency | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lossless mode | Yes | No | Yes |
| Animation | Yes (AVIS) | No | Yes |
| Wide color gamut | Yes | Limited | No |
| Royalty-free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
AVIF File Size vs Other Formats
Real-world tests from Netflix, Google, and independent researchers consistently show AVIF outperforming older formats. For a typical 1200x800 photograph at equivalent visual quality:
When Was AVIF Released?
The AV1 codec specification was finalized in 2018. The AVIF image format specification followed in 2019, published by the Alliance for Open Media. Browser support arrived in waves:
- 2020Chrome 85 shipped with full AVIF support in August 2020, the first major browser to do so.
- 2021Firefox 93 added AVIF support in October 2021.
- 2022Safari 16 on macOS Ventura and iOS 16 shipped AVIF support in September 2022.
- 2022Edge 90 added support in 2021, with full rendering support by late 2022.
AVIF vs HEIC: What Is the Difference?
AVIF and HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) look similar on the surface. Both use advanced video codec technology to compress still images. The critical difference is licensing.
HEIC uses the HEVC (H.265) codec, which requires patent royalties. AVIF uses AV1, which is royalty-free under an irrevocable patent grant from AOM members. This is why AVIF has broad browser support while HEIC does not: browser vendors will not pay licensing fees for a web image format.
In compression quality, both formats are comparable. AVIF has a slight advantage at very low bit rates. For web delivery, AVIF is the correct choice because it works in every major browser without restrictions.
Who Should Use AVIF?
Web developers and performance engineers
AVIF cuts bandwidth costs and improves Largest Contentful Paint scores directly, which affects Google search rankings.
E-commerce businesses
Product pages with AVIF images load faster, reducing bounce rates and increasing conversions, especially on mobile networks.
Photographers and portfolio sites
High-resolution images compress to a fraction of their PNG or JPEG size without visible quality loss at normal viewing distances.
Content publishers and news sites
Large numbers of editorial images compress significantly, cutting CDN costs and accelerating page delivery worldwide.
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