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.png.avif

How to Convert PNG to AVIF

To convert PNG to AVIF, upload your PNG above, select AVIF, and download a file that is often 50–80% smaller — the most aggressive size reduction available in any mainstream image format. AVIF preserves transparency and even supports HDR. The caveat: AVIF encoding is slower, and some older software can't open the files yet.

This page is part of the Image Converter hub, which covers every image format pair JoltFile supports.

AVIF encoding depends on your browser's canvas support.

In-browser image limit: 100 MB per file

Browser-based processing — your files never leave your device

Need files over 100 MB, batch conversion, or keyboard shortcuts?

JoltFile desktop app

How to convert PNG to AVIF in 5 steps

The whole process takes under two minutes and requires no software installation or account. Your original PNG file is never modified.

  1. Upload your PNG file

    Drag your .png file onto the converter above, or click “Browse files” to select it from your device. Files are processed locally in your browser whenever possible — nothing is uploaded to a server.

  2. Confirm the output format is AVIF

    The converter defaults to PNG → AVIF on this page. If you dropped in a different file type, set the target format to AVIF (.avif) using the format menu.

  3. Adjust quality settings

    Choose your quality settings. For photos, quality 90 is visually indistinguishable from the original; graphics with text or transparency should use the lossless option when available.

  4. Convert the file

    Click “Convert”. JoltFile processes the file and shows a progress indicator — most image conversions finish in a few seconds.

  5. Download your AVIF file

    Save the converted .avif file to your device. The original PNG file is never modified, and temporary data is discarded automatically.

What happens to quality when converting PNG to AVIF?

At visually-lossless quality settings, AVIF cuts PNG file sizes by half or more while preserving alpha transparency. AVIF also supports lossless mode, though savings there are smaller. Watch for slight color shifts on wide-gamut images in viewers with incomplete AVIF color-profile support.

When should you convert PNG to AVIF?

  • Squeezing maximum performance out of image-heavy websites
  • Serving modern formats via <picture> with PNG/JPG fallbacks
  • Cutting bandwidth for apps delivering many graphics
  • Archiving images where storage cost matters

PNG vs AVIF: format comparison

Side-by-side comparison of the Portable Network Graphics and AV1 Image File Format formats
PropertyPNGAVIF
File extension.png.avif
Full namePortable Network GraphicsAV1 Image File Format
CompressionLossless (DEFLATE)Lossy or lossless (AV1-derived)
TransparencySupportedSupported
MIME typeimage/pngimage/avif
Introduced1996, by PNG Development Group2019, by Alliance for Open Media
Best forScreenshots, logos, icons, UI graphics, and any image needing transparencyPerformance-critical web imagery on modern browsers

About the PNG and AVIF formats

What is PNG? (Portable Network Graphics)

PNG is a lossless raster image format created in 1996 as a patent-free replacement for GIF. It supports full alpha transparency and compresses without discarding any pixel data, which makes it the default choice for screenshots, UI assets, logos, and graphics with sharp edges or text.

Strengths

  • Lossless compression — pixels survive every save
  • Full alpha-channel transparency
  • Universal support in browsers, editors, and operating systems
  • Ideal for text, line art, and screenshots

Limitations

  • Files are much larger than JPEG or WebP for photographs
  • No native animation support (APNG exists but is a separate spec)
  • No embedded color-management or metadata richness compared to TIFF

What is AVIF? (AV1 Image File Format)

AVIF is a next-generation image format based on the AV1 video codec, standardized by the Alliance for Open Media in 2019. It routinely produces files 50% smaller than JPEG at similar visual quality and supports HDR, wide color gamut, transparency, and animation.

Strengths

  • Best-in-class compression — often ~50% smaller than JPEG
  • HDR and 10/12-bit color depth support
  • Transparency and animation support
  • Royalty-free and open

Limitations

  • Encoding is computationally slow
  • Support in older browsers and desktop editors is still patchy
  • Some social platforms and email clients reject it

PNG to AVIF conversion: your questions answered

Is AVIF better than WebP for PNG replacement?

On compression, yes — AVIF typically beats WebP by another 20–30%. WebP wins on encoding speed and slightly broader software support. For web delivery with fallbacks, AVIF is the stronger choice.

Does AVIF support transparency like PNG?

Yes. AVIF carries a full alpha channel, so transparent PNGs convert without flattening.

Why is AVIF conversion slower than other formats?

AVIF is built on the AV1 codec, which spends far more computation finding redundancy. The payoff is smaller files; the cost is encoding time, especially at high quality settings.

Is it free to convert PNG to AVIF with JoltFile?

Yes. JoltFile's free tier covers everyday PNG to AVIF conversions with no account and no watermarks. Higher file-size limits and batch processing are planned for the upcoming Pro tier.

Is my PNG file private when I convert it?

Yes. JoltFile is designed around browser-based processing: whenever technically possible your file is converted locally on your own device and never uploaded to a server. Files that do require server processing are encrypted in transit and deleted automatically after conversion.

FAQ provided by JoltFile.