AVIF to JPG: Everything You Need to Know About Converting Next-Gen Images

In today’s digital world, image formats are more diverse than ever. As technology continues to advance, new formats are constantly being developed to meet the demands for better compression, faster loading, and higher image quality. One such format is AVIF, a relatively new image file type that is gaining popularity for its exceptional compression abilities and image quality. However, not all devices, browsers, or software currently support AVIF, which is where conversion to more traditional formats like JPG becomes necessary.

This blog will take a closer look at what AVIF is, why you might need to convert AVIF to JPG, how the process works, and what considerations should guide your decisions. Whether you’re a web developer, graphic designer, or casual user trying to open a photo, understanding this conversion will help you manage your image files more effectively.

What is AVIF?

AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format. It is an image format based on the AV1 video codec, developed by the Alliance for Open Media. The goal of AVIF is to provide significantly better image compression than older formats such as JPG and even modern formats like WebP, all while maintaining high visual quality. This means AVIF images are typically much smaller in file size compared to their JPG counterparts, without a visible loss in quality.

Because of its efficiency, AVIF is particularly suited for the web. Faster-loading pages and smaller file sizes mean better performance, reduced bandwidth usage, and improved user experience. It supports advanced features like HDR, alpha transparency, and higher bit depths, which makes it a promising standard for future web and mobile experiences.

Despite its many advantages, AVIF is still a relatively new format, and not all operating systems, browsers, or image viewers can handle it natively. As a result, users frequently run into situations where they must convert AVIF files into a more widely supported format like JPG to ensure compatibility.

Why Convert AVIF to JPG?

The need to convert AVIF to JPG usually comes down to accessibility and compatibility. JPG has been the gold standard of image formats for decades. It’s supported by virtually every operating system, browser, editing software, and device. When you encounter an AVIF file, you may find that your photo viewer won’t open it, or your website builder doesn't recognize the format. In these cases, converting the AVIF image to JPG allows you to work with the file more easily and share it with others without concern for format support.

Another common scenario involves editing. Many popular image editing applications, particularly older versions, do not support AVIF yet. If you're working with a tool like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP and can't open your AVIF file, conversion to JPG may be the quickest workaround. The JPG format will allow you to access, view, and manipulate the image without running into any software limitations.

Additionally, if you plan to share your image on social media or through email, using JPG is often a safer bet. Many platforms compress uploaded images and may not yet recognize AVIF files. By converting to JPG, you ensure a smoother sharing experience for both you and your audience.

How to Convert AVIF to JPG

There are several ways to convert AVIF files into JPG format depending on the tools and platforms you're using. One of the easiest methods involves using an online converter. There are dozens of free AVIF-to-JPG conversion tools available on the web, which allow you to upload your AVIF file and download a converted JPG version within seconds. This option is especially convenient for users who don’t want to install software or perform batch conversions.

For those who work with images frequently or need to convert multiple files at once, desktop software may be a better solution. Applications like XnConvert, IrfanView, or command-line tools like ImageMagick support AVIF and offer powerful batch conversion features. These tools provide more control over the output, such as setting image quality, resolution, or metadata handling.

If you’re more tech-savvy or working in a development environment, programmatic conversion may be the most efficient route. Libraries like libavif and image processing APIs allow you to script the conversion of AVIF images to JPG on your server or as part of an automated pipeline.

Regardless of the method, the conversion process typically involves decoding the AVIF image and re-encoding it as a JPG. While this does introduce some additional compression and potential quality loss due to JPG’s lossy nature, the result is a file that can be opened and used anywhere.

Considerations When Converting AVIF to JPG

It’s important to understand that converting AVIF to JPG is not a lossless process. AVIF uses more advanced compression techniques and can maintain high quality at lower bitrates. When you convert an AVIF image to JPG, you may lose some of that visual fidelity, particularly in areas like gradients, fine details, or color depth. This degradation is usually minimal and may be unnoticeable for casual use, but it is something to keep in mind for professional or archival work.

Another consideration is the file size. JPGs will typically be larger than AVIF files. This may not be a problem for a single image, but when working with a large number of files, storage and bandwidth usage can increase significantly. You might need to balance quality and file size during conversion by adjusting the JPG compression level.

Transparency is another potential issue. AVIF supports alpha channels, allowing for transparent images, while standard JPG does not. If your AVIF file has transparent areas, converting it to JPG will result in a solid background color replacing those transparent sections. This could affect the appearance of the final image depending on how you intend to use it.

Lastly, always make sure to keep a backup of the original AVIF file, especially if it contains high-quality or critical content. JPG is a good format for sharing and viewing, but AVIF may still be the better choice for long-term storage or future conversions once support becomes more widespread.

AVIF vs JPG: Which Format Should You Use?

Both AVIF and JPG have their strengths and are suited for different purposes. If you're optimizing images for modern websites and care about fast loading times, AVIF is a great choice—provided that your audience’s browsers support it. If you're looking for broad compatibility across all platforms and devices, JPG is still the more reliable option.

In many workflows, the best approach may be to use both formats strategically. For instance, you could use AVIF for web delivery to modern browsers while offering a JPG fallback for legacy systems. This hybrid strategy ensures both performance and accessibility without forcing a compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AVIF and JPG?
AVIF is a newer image format that offers better compression and higher quality at smaller file sizes compared to JPG. JPG is older and widely supported but uses less efficient compression, which can result in larger file sizes and more noticeable quality loss.

Why won’t my device open an AVIF file?
Many older devices, operating systems, and apps do not yet support AVIF format. If your device can't open an AVIF image, converting it to JPG will allow you to view and use it without installing new software.

Does converting AVIF to JPG reduce image quality?
Yes, converting to JPG introduces compression and may reduce quality, especially if the AVIF file contains subtle gradients, transparency, or high color detail. However, the loss is often minimal and acceptable for everyday use.

Can I convert AVIF to JPG on my phone?
Yes, several mobile apps and online tools allow you to convert AVIF to JPG directly from your smartphone. These apps are available on both Android and iOS platforms.

Is AVIF better than JPG for the web?
AVIF is generally better for modern web use due to its smaller file sizes and superior quality. However, because of limited support in some browsers, it's best used with a fallback JPG for compatibility.