AVIF is the format that usually produces the smallest photo at a given visual quality. It is based on the AV1 video codec, supports transparency and wide color, and every current major browser displays it. The catch is encode time: AVIF is noticeably slower to create than JPEG or WebP, and that is visible here because the work happens on your own device.
This page sets the output to AVIF and the quality to 60. The AVIF quality scale does not line up with JPEG’s, so do not copy your usual 80 across; at 80 an AVIF is often bigger than it needs to be.
How to compress or create AVIF files
Add photos
JPEG, PNG, WebP and existing AVIF files all work as input. Start from the best copy you have; AVIF cannot restore detail an earlier JPEG removed.
Keep quality around 50–65
Compare a face, foliage, or fine text in the slider. Raise the number if edges smear, lower it if you see no difference.
Wait for the encode
Large photos take a few seconds each. A batch of 20 can take a minute on a laptop. Keep the tab open until the result cards fill in.
When AVIF earns the wait
Photo-heavy pages
Galleries, recipe sites and shops with many product photos benefit most, because the savings repeat on every image.
Transparency with photo detail
A cut-out product photo is often far smaller as AVIF than as PNG, and sharper than as a palette PNG.
Where AVIF is not the answer
Email clients, many upload forms, and older editing apps still do not accept AVIF. Use it for a website you control, ideally with a JPEG or WebP fallback in a picture element. For anything you send to other people, use JPEG.
Very small icons and line art are often smaller as PNG. Compare the sizes on the result cards rather than assuming AVIF wins.
AVIF quality guide
| AVIF quality | Looks roughly like | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 70–80 | JPEG 90+ | Portfolio and large display |
| 50–65 | JPEG 75–85 | Most web photos |
| 35–45 | JPEG 60 | Thumbnails |
AVIF questions
Is AVIF better than WebP?
For photographs AVIF is usually smaller at the same visual quality, but slower to encode. WebP is faster and accepted in more places. Try both on the same photo and compare the result sizes.
Why is AVIF encoding slow?
The AV1 encoder searches far more options than JPEG to save bytes. Here it runs on your device, so speed depends on your processor.
Do all browsers show AVIF?
Current Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari do. Very old browsers and some apps do not, so keep a JPEG copy for email.
Can AVIF keep transparency?
Yes. AVIF has an alpha channel, so PNG cut-outs can be converted without a white box.