The AV1 Image File Format (AVIF) is a modern image format that offers impressive compression efficiency and high image quality. Despite its advantages, there are situations where converting AVIF files to more widely supported formats like JPG or PNG is necessary. This guide will explore the reasons for converting AVIF files, the software needed for the conversion, and the steps involved.
Why Convert AVIF to JPG or PNG?
While AVIF boasts numerous benefits, there are several reasons why you might need to convert AVIF files to JPG or PNG:
- Compatibility: AVIF is a relatively new format and is not yet universally supported across all devices, applications, and web browsers. Converting AVIF files to JPG or PNG ensures that your images can be viewed and edited on virtually any platform.
- Ease of Sharing: JPG and PNG are widely accepted formats for sharing images via email, social media, and other platforms. Converting AVIF files to these formats makes it easier to share your images without worrying about compatibility issues.
- Editing Flexibility: Many image editing software programs do not yet support AVIF. Converting to JPG or PNG allows you to use a broader range of editing tools and software to enhance your images.
- Web Use: While AVIF is optimized for web use due to its small file size and high quality, not all web browsers fully support it. Converting to JPG or PNG ensures that your images display correctly on all browsers.
Software Needed to Open and Convert AVIF Files
To open and convert AVIF files on your computer, you will need specific software. Here are some options for different operating systems:
- Windows:
- Microsoft Paint and Microsoft Photos: These applications can open AVIF files if you install the AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store.
- Adobe Photoshop: With the latest updates, Photoshop supports AVIF files and can convert them to JPG or PNG.
- ImageMagick: A versatile tool that can open and convert AVIF files to various formats.
- GIMP: A free and open-source image editor that supports AVIF and can convert it to JPG or PNG.
- Mac:
- Apple Preview and Apple Photos: Both can open AVIF files natively and convert them to other formats.
- Adobe Photoshop: As with Windows, Photoshop on Mac supports AVIF and can handle conversions.
- ImageMagick: Available for Mac users to open and convert AVIF files.
- Linux:
- ImageMagick: A popular choice for handling AVIF files and converting them to other formats.
- GIMP: Also available on Linux for viewing and converting AVIF images.
Steps to Convert AVIF to JPG or PNG
Here’s a step-by-step guide to converting AVIF files to JPG or PNG using some of the mentioned software:
- Using Adobe Photoshop:
- Open Adobe Photoshop.
- Go to
File > Openand select your AVIF file. - Once the file is open, go to
File > Save As. - Choose JPG or PNG from the format dropdown menu.
- Click
Save.
- Using GIMP:
- Open GIMP.
- Go to
File > Openand select your AVIF file. - Once the file is open, go to
File > Export As. - Choose JPG or PNG from the format dropdown menu.
- Click
Export.
- Using ImageMagick:
- Open your terminal or command prompt.
- Use the following command to convert an AVIF file to JPG:
magick convert input.avif output.jpg - To convert to PNG, use:
magick convert input.avif output.png
Converting AVIF files to JPG or PNG is often necessary due to compatibility, ease of sharing, and editing flexibility. While AVIF offers superior compression and image quality, its limited support across platforms makes conversion essential in many cases. By using software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or ImageMagick, you can easily convert your AVIF files to more universally accepted formats, ensuring your images are accessible and usable across all devices and applications. GIMP and ImageMagick are open-source software that allow you to convert AVIF files to JPG or PNG formats for free.