AVIF Guide: Why is it the Best Image Format for the Web?
> AVIF Guide: Why is it the Best Image Format for the Web?
Images are very important for the internet. For a long time, we used JPEG. Then we used WebP. Now, we have something even better: AVIF.
In this guide, we will explain what AVIF is and why you should use it. We will use simple words so everyone can understand.
> What is AVIF?
AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format. It is a new way to save pictures.
It was made by a big group of companies like Google, Apple, and Netflix. They wanted to make a format that is free for everyone and makes files very small.
AVIF uses the same technology as the AV1 video player. Since AV1 is very good at making videos small, it is also very good at making photos small.
> Why is AVIF Good?
1. Very Small Files
This is the best part of AVIF. An AVIF file is usually 50% smaller than a JPEG file. It is also 20% smaller than a WebP file.
If your images are small:
- Your website loads faster.
- People with slow internet can see your site easily.
- Google likes fast sites, so more people will find you.
2. Better Colors
Most old images use only 8-bit colors. AVIF can use 10-bit or 12-bit colors. This means it can show many more colors.
Have you ever seen "lines" in a blue sky on a photo? That is called "banding." AVIF fixes this. The sky will look smooth and perfect.
3. Transparency
Like PNG files, AVIF can have a transparent background. You can use it for logos or icons. But the AVIF file will be much smaller than a PNG file.
> AVIF vs. JPEG vs. WebP
| Feature | JPEG | WebP | AVIF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small | Very Small |
| Colors | Normal | Normal | Deep & Beautiful |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, AVIF is the winner in almost every way.
> Can I use AVIF in my Browser?
Yes! Almost all modern browsers support AVIF now:
- Chrome and Edge
- Firefox
- Safari (on iPhone and Mac)
If someone uses a very old browser, you can still show them a JPEG file as a backup.
> How to Create AVIF?
It is easy to make AVIF images:
- Online Tools: You can use sites like Squoosh.app or AVIF.io.
- Design Tools: Some tools let you save as AVIF directly.
- Coding: If you are a coder, you can use libraries like
sharpto do it automatically.
> Why do we need an AVIF to PNG Converter?
AVIF is great for the web, but sometimes it is hard to use on your computer.
- Some old apps cannot open AVIF.
- You might want to use a photo in a word document that only likes PNG.
That is why we built our [AVIF to PNG Converter]. It is free, fast, and stays on your computer (it does not upload your photos to any server).
> Conclusion
AVIF is the future of web images. It makes the internet faster and more beautiful. If you have not tried it yet, today is a good day to start!
This article was written by Jack from the SVG2IMG team. We hope you liked it!