Images are usually the heaviest part of any web page, and the format you choose decides how heavy. AVIF is the newest image format on the block, built on the AV1 video codec — and for photos it produces noticeably smaller files than JPEG or WebP at the same visual quality.
Where AVIF wins
Photographs and detailed images. AVIF keeps fine detail and smooth gradients while cutting file size, which means faster page loads and less data for your visitors — especially on mobile connections. All major browsers have supported AVIF for a while now, so the compatibility worry that held it back is mostly gone.
Where it doesn't (yet)
Simple graphics: for logos, icons, and illustrations, SVG is still the right tool — it's resolution-independent and usually lighter. Encoding AVIF is also slower than JPEG or WebP, so it's not the best pick if you generate thousands of images on the fly. And some older design tools still can't open AVIF files, which can slow down a team workflow.
So should you switch?
For photos on the web: yes, if your workflow supports it. For everything else, keep the old rules: SVG for graphics, PNG when you need transparency on simple images, and WebP as the safe default when AVIF isn't available. The format matters less than the habit: always compress before you publish.
Shrink your images for the web — free, private:
AVIF won't replace every format, but for photos it is the best quality-per-byte you can ship today. Convert your heaviest images first — hero images and galleries — and you'll feel the difference on every load.
Keep reading:
- JPEG vs PNG vs WebP vs SVG: Which Format Should You Use?
- How to Compress Images Without Losing Quality
Try it free: Image Converter — no sign-up, no uploads, everything runs in your browser.
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