What's the difference between PNG and AVIF?
PNG dates from 1996 and is a lossless raster format: it records every pixel exactly. AVIF arrived in 2019 as a still-image format derived from the AV1 video codec, engineered to make the smallest possible files. Both support transparency, but they sit at opposite ends of the spectrum — one prioritises fidelity and compatibility, the other prioritises size.
PNG vs AVIF at a glance
| Feature | PNG | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 1996 | 2019 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy or lossless |
| Colour | 8/16-bit RGB | Up to 12-bit, HDR, wide gamut |
| Animation | No (APNG) | Yes |
| Browser support | Universal | Chrome, Firefox, Safari 16.4+ |
| Encode speed | Instant | Slow (CPU-heavy) |
| Best for | Editing, compatibility | Fast, modern web delivery |
How much smaller is AVIF than PNG?
AVIF routinely produces files 50% smaller or more than PNG for photographic content, and it generally beats both JPG and WebP at the same visual quality. That efficiency comes from AV1's advanced intra-frame compression. The cost is encode time: building an AVIF is computationally heavy and far slower than PNG's near-instant save, which matters when you're processing images in bulk.
What does AVIF add beyond smaller files?
Size isn't AVIF's only advantage. It supports HDR and 10- to 12-bit wide-gamut colour, plus animation — none of which standard PNG offers. PNG handles up to 16-bit per channel in ordinary RGB with no HDR and no animation (APNG aside). For colour-rich modern imagery destined for capable displays, AVIF simply carries more information per byte.
What's the catch with AVIF?
Two things keep PNG relevant: support and encoding. AVIF only landed in Safari with version 16.4 in 2023, so older devices and plenty of desktop software still can't open it — a real problem for files you need to share or archive. And because encoding is slow, AVIF is a poor fit for a working master you edit and re-save repeatedly. PNG opens anywhere and saves instantly.
How do you convert between PNG and AVIF?
If you've been sent an AVIF that won't open, convert AVIF to PNG for a universally compatible copy. If you want smaller web images without AVIF's compatibility gaps, PNG to WebP is a well-supported middle ground. New to the format? See what a PNG is.
Frequently asked questions
- Is AVIF better than PNG?
- For shipping images on the web, AVIF is smaller and supports richer colour. For a lossless editing master or a file that must open anywhere today, PNG is the safer choice. They suit different jobs.
- Does AVIF support transparency?
- Yes. AVIF has a full alpha channel, so it preserves transparency just like PNG — unusual for such a heavily compressed format.
- Why won't my AVIF file open?
- AVIF only reached Safari in version 16.4 (2023), so older browsers, operating systems, and some desktop software still can't read it. Converting it to PNG gives a file that opens everywhere.
- Is AVIF smaller than WebP?
- Usually, yes — AVIF edges out WebP at the same visual quality, especially on detailed images. The trade-off is that AVIF takes noticeably longer to encode.