AVIF files are transforming the web with superior image quality, surpassing traditional .jpg and .png formats while minimizing data and bandwidth consumption. Wondering what this .avif file is and how to open AVIF files?
Fear not! I’m here to guide you through every step. Let’s explore the realm of AVIF together and learn how to open AVIF files effortlessly.
What is an AVIF file?
AVIF, a game-changer in image file formats. Imagine a format developed by the Alliance for Open Media, disrupting the norm and offering a brilliant alternative to the usual suspects like .png, .jpg, and .webp. But why the need for change?
In the era of rampant online media uploads, giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Netflix faced a challenge — how to maintain high-quality images while minimizing file size. Enter AVIF, a format that not only preserves quality but excels at it. With less blurriness and distortion than comparable JPEGs, AVIF supports monochrome and HDR images, boasts color depths up to 12 bits, and can be compressed in lossless and lossy versions.
In a nutshell, AVIF is the unsung hero behind stunning visuals on your favorite platforms, proving that sometimes, innovation comes in the form of a file format.
You can also read our articles on How to Open WebP File and How to Open HEIC Files.
Advantages of using AVIF file
As you might have noticed, there is already a good amount of moderation on the AVIF file format. So, it has become a popular choice for web developers. There are additional benefits to using the AVIF format. They are-
- It is completely royalty-free. So users can use it without having to worry about the license.
- Developers Alliance for Open Media has the backing of big players like Google, Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft, and more. So, it is here to stay.
- AVIF format supports both lossy and lossless compression.
- It comprises modern-day features like HDR, transparency, wide color gamut, etc.
How is it different from JPEG?
JPEGs are the most well-known file format in the world. All of us are familiar with this image format. But the AVIF format provides more flexibility to developers as well as end-users.
Less Size: A .avif image file is far less in size than JPG images but more significant in quality. So, we can replace them with big-sized JPEGs.
Low Bandwidth: Because fewer-sized images are used on the web, you can work with lower bandwidth. As a result, your total data usage will be considerably lower than that of JPEGs.
Better Color and Details: Unlike .jpg’s 8-bit color depth, .avif files can stand 10 to 12-bit color resulting in more richness in images.
How to Open AVIF File?
You don’t require additional software to open it. Browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox can open AVIF files. Windows users can also open AVIF files using Microsoft Paint or Photos. Although, you need to install the AV1 Video Extension.
Step 1: Locate the .avif image on your computer.
Step 2: Right-click on the image and click on open with Photos.
Step 3: You will notice a message asking you to install the AV1 video extension. Click on it.
Step 4: You’ll be redirected to Microsoft Store. Press “Get” to install the AV1 video extension.
Step 5: Once the installation is complete. Re-open AVIF files with Photos, and it will work.
You can also change the default program to handle AVIF files. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Browse to open .avif files on your hard drive.
Step 2: Right-click and, under Open with, select choose another app.
Step 3: From the list of programs, select Photos and Press Ok.
How to Convert an AVIF File
If you want to use .avif instead of .jpg or .png for your images, there are two easy ways. You can change your old pictures to .avif using free online sites. Or, if you have an image editor that supports AVIF, you can create .avif files.
And if you ever need to change .avif files back to other formats like .jpg or .png, sites like convertio.co can do that easily.
You can also use popular websites to convert many old images to the new .avif format all at once. It saves you a bunch of time!
Let’s see an example.
Step 1: Open https://avif.io/ in your browser.
Step 2: Click the Drop images or browse and select the image you want to convert.
Step 3: Upon uploading, it will start the conversion instantly. You can follow the progress in the lower bar.
Step 4: Once the conversion is complete, it will display a download button next to the filename. Click on it to start downloading your file.
Recommended: How to Remove Background From Image Quickly
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got a complete guide on opening and converting AVIF files. The impressive quality and vibrant colors of AVIF have caught the attention of web developers. Even big players like Netflix have made the switch from .jpg to .avif, benefiting users everywhere. How do you plan to use .avif files? Share your thoughts with us!
