Technology • Engineering • Computing • History
Here is how AVIF can dramatically reduce your image storage hunger
AVIF is designed to supersede older image formats like JPEG and PNG by providing superior compression and image quality.
AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format, which is an open and royalty-free image file format designed for storing images or image sequences. It utilizes the AV1 video codec for compression, allowing for efficient storage while maintaining high image quality.
Its Advantages Over Other Formats
AVIF is designed to supersede older image formats like JPEG and PNG by providing superior compression and image quality. For instance, it can produce images that are visually comparable to PNGs but at a significantly reduced file size. This makes it an attractive option for developers and designers looking to optimize their websites and applications.
Important Features of AVIF
Compression Efficiency
AVIF generally offers better compression than traditional formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF, making it a more efficient choice for web and mobile applications. This means that images can be stored at smaller file sizes without significant loss of quality, which is particularly beneficial for web performance and bandwidth usage.
Container Format
AVIF images are stored in the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) container, which is based on the ISOBMFF (ISO Base Media File Format). This allows AVIF to support advanced features such as transparency and HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging.
Compatibility
Although AVIF is a newer format, it has gained support across major web browsers. It has been supported in Chrome and Opera since 2020, Firefox since 2021, and Safari since 2022.
Browser Support for AVIF
| Browser | Support Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Supported (from version 85 onwards) | Full support in desktop and mobile versions. |
| Firefox | Supported (from version 93 onwards) | Full support on desktop; mobile support is included. |
| Safari | Supported (from version 16.4 onwards) | Partial support began in version 16.1; full support on iOS 16 and above. |
| Microsoft Edge | Supported (from version 121 onwards) | Full support in recent versions; earlier versions had limited support. |
| Opera | Supported | Full support similar to Chrome since it is based on the same engine. |
| Mobile Browsers | Most major mobile browsers support AVIF, but exceptions include Opera Mini and QQ Browser. |
Performance Comparison: AVIF vs. JPEG
| Aspect | AVIF | JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression Efficiency | Superior compression efficiency, resulting in smaller file sizes for comparable quality. AVIF can achieve significantly smaller sizes than JPEG while maintaining similar or better image quality. | Less efficient compression, leading to larger file sizes for the same quality level. |
| Image Quality | Outperforms JPEG at lower quality settings (30-40%). AVIF maintains higher fidelity and fewer artifacts in images compared to JPEG. | Quality degrades more noticeably at lower settings, particularly with compression artifacts like blurriness and blocking. |
| Color Depth | Supports high dynamic range (HDR) and higher bit depths (8-bit, 10-bit, and 12-bit), allowing for richer colors and better gradients. | Limited to 8-bit color depth, which restricts color representation and dynamic range. |
| Lossless Compression | Offers both lossy and lossless compression methods, providing flexibility for different use cases. | Primarily lossy compression; lossless options exist but are less common and result in larger files. |
| Browser Support | Supported by all major browsers as of early 2024. | Universally supported across all browsers and platforms. |
AVIF has gained significant traction due to its superior compression capabilities and image quality compared to older formats like JPEG and PNG. It as well supports high dynamic range (HDR), wide color gamut, and transparency, making it suitable for a variety of applications. As browser support continues to improve, AVIF is expected to become increasingly popular for web developers and content creators. Whiles AVIF is now supported by all major browsers, users should be aware of specific version requirements and potential limitations on certain mobile browsers.
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