Convert HEIC to AVIF Online
Free, private HEIC to AVIF converter. Your files never leave your browser. All processing happens locally on your device.
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FormatShift converts files directly in your browser. Your files never leave your device, so there's nothing to intercept or leak.
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Files convert on your machine, so downloads are ready right away, even on slow connections.
High Fidelity
Good encoding keeps your files looking and sounding right, even at smaller sizes.
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How to convert HEIC to AVIF
Drop your HEIC file
Drag your file onto the converter above, or click to browse your files. Your files stay on your device.
Automatic conversion
FormatShift converts your file right in your browser using WebAssembly. No server involved, so your data stays completely private.
Download your AVIF file
Once the conversion finishes, click the download button and you are done. The converted file is ready to use.
Why convert HEIC to AVIF?
HEIC and AVIF serve different purposes. Converting between them lets you use whichever format works best for your situation.
What is a HEIC file?
High Efficiency Image Container: HEIC is the default photo format on iPhones and iPads. It produces smaller files than JPEG while keeping better quality, but compatibility outside Apple devices can be spotty.
Created by: Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), adopted by Apple in iOS 11 (2017)
Used for: iPhone and iPad photos, Apple ecosystem image storage
Technical details: Based on the HEVC (H.265) video codec. Supports lossy compression, transparency, and image sequences. Roughly 50% smaller than JPEG at similar quality.
Compatibility: Natively supported on Apple devices and macOS. Windows requires the HEIC extension from the Microsoft Store. Limited browser support.
What is a AVIF file?
AV1 Image File Format: AVIF is a newer image format based on the AV1 video codec. It compresses images more efficiently than JPEG or WebP, producing smaller files at the same quality. Browser support has been catching up quickly.
Created by: Alliance for Open Media, first released in 2019
Used for: Web images where file size is critical, high-quality photo compression
Technical details: Based on AV1 video codec. Supports lossy and lossless compression, HDR, wide color gamut, and transparency. Typically 20-50% smaller than JPEG at similar quality.
Compatibility: Supported in Chrome, Firefox, Safari (since 16.4), and Edge. Some older browsers and image editors may not support it yet.
HEIC vs AVIF
| Feature | HEIC | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Type | High Efficiency Image Container | AV1 Image File Format |
| Best for | iPhone and iPad photos, Apple ecosystem image storage | Web images where file size is critical, high-quality photo compression |
| Compatibility | Natively supported on Apple devices and macOS. Windows requires the HEIC extension from the Microsoft Store. Limited browser support. | Supported in Chrome, Firefox, Safari (since 16.4), and Edge. Some older browsers and image editors may not support it yet. |
| Pros | Excellent compression, great quality for photos, Apple native support | Best-in-class compression, HDR and wide color support, transparency |
| Cons | Limited compatibility outside Apple ecosystem, requires codec support on Windows | Slower to encode than JPEG or WebP, not yet universal outside modern browsers |