What is AVIF?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a next-generation image format derived from the AV1 video codec, standardized by the Alliance for Open Media in 2019. It delivers significantly smaller files than JPEG and PNG at equivalent visual quality, supports HDR, wide color gamuts, and transparency. Adoption is accelerating across browsers, operating systems, and content delivery networks.
What is PNG?
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless raster format created by the W3C in 1996. It supports full alpha transparency, 24-bit or 48-bit color, and produces pixel-identical output on decompression. PNG is universally supported across every browser, operating system, image editor, and document workflow in use today.
Why Convert AVIF to PNG?
While AVIF offers better compression, many desktop applications, print workflows, and legacy systems do not yet support it. Converting to PNG guarantees the image can be opened anywhere, preserves transparency without quality loss, and produces a format suitable for further editing in tools like Photoshop, GIMP, and Figma.
Key Differences Between AVIF and PNG
AVIF uses advanced lossy or lossless compression from the AV1 codec, producing files that are 30-50% smaller than PNG at similar quality. PNG uses lossless DEFLATE compression, meaning every pixel is preserved exactly. AVIF supports HDR and wide gamut; PNG is limited to sRGB in most workflows. The trade-off is compression efficiency versus universal compatibility.
