FormatShift FormatShift

Convert PNG to AVIF Online

Free, private PNG to AVIF converter. Your files never leave your browser. All processing happens locally on your device.

Drag & drop files here

images, PDFs, documents, audio, video, and more

No Server Uploads

FormatShift converts files directly in your browser. Your files never leave your device, so there's nothing to intercept or leak.

Instant Export

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.

Built for Privacy

Your files are processed entirely in your browser. They never leave your device.

How to convert PNG to AVIF

1

Drop your PNG file

Drag your file onto the converter above, or click to browse your files. Your files stay on your device.

2

Automatic conversion

FormatShift converts your file right in your browser using WebAssembly. No server involved, so your data stays completely private.

3

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 PNG to AVIF?

PNG and AVIF serve different purposes. Converting between them lets you use whichever format works best for your situation.

What is a PNG file?

Portable Network Graphics: PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency. It was created as a patent-free replacement for GIF back in the mid-1990s and quickly became the standard for web graphics that need clean edges or see-through backgrounds.

Created by: PNG Development Group, first released in 1996

Used for: Web graphics, logos, screenshots, icons, anything that needs transparency or sharp text

Technical details: Lossless compression, so the image looks identical to the original. Supports 8-bit and 24-bit color with an alpha channel for transparency. File sizes tend to be larger than JPEG for photos but smaller for graphics with flat colors.

Compatibility: Every browser, operating system, and image editor supports PNG. It is one of the most universally readable formats.

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.

PNG vs AVIF

Feature PNG AVIF
Type Portable Network Graphics AV1 Image File Format
Best for Web graphics, logos, screenshots, icons, anything that needs transparency or sharp text Web images where file size is critical, high-quality photo compression
Compatibility Every browser, operating system, and image editor supports PNG. It is one of the most universally readable formats. Supported in Chrome, Firefox, Safari (since 16.4), and Edge. Some older browsers and image editors may not support it yet.
Pros Lossless quality, transparency support, universal compatibility Best-in-class compression, HDR and wide color support, transparency
Cons Larger file sizes than JPEG for photographs, no animation support (use APNG or GIF for that) Slower to encode than JPEG or WebP, not yet universal outside modern browsers

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to convert PNG to AVIF online?
Yes. FormatShift processes your file entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device, so there is nothing to intercept or leak. No account or signup required.
How long does PNG to AVIF conversion take?
Image conversions usually finish in under a second, even for large files.
What is the difference between PNG and AVIF?
PNG (Portable Network Graphics): Lossless compression, so the image looks identical to the original. Supports 8-bit and 24-bit color with an alpha channel for transparency. File sizes tend to be larger than JPEG for photos but smaller for graphics with flat colors. AVIF (AV1 Image File Format): 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.
Will I lose quality converting PNG to AVIF?
This depends on the formats involved. Check the comparison above for details on how PNG and AVIF handle compression and quality.
Do I need to install any software?
No. FormatShift runs entirely in your browser. There is nothing to download, install, or sign up for.