How to Convert AVIF to JPG: A Step-by-Step Guide
AVIF is a relatively new format that offers impressive compression and high-quality images.
However, despite its advantages, AVIF is not universally supported, making JPG a more practical choice for many users.
If you need to convert AVIF to JPG, this guide will walk you through the process, explain the differences between these formats, and help you decide which is best for your needs.
Quick Takeaways
- AVIF offers superior compression and high-quality images, making it great for modern web use but has limited compatibility.
- JPG is widely supported across all devices, browsers, and software, making it a practical choice for most users.
- Converting AVIF to JPG ensures better compatibility for websites, email attachments, and social media sharing.
- While converting to JPG can lead to a slight loss in image quality and a larger file size, using high-quality converters can minimize this.
- JPG remains the best option for most users due to its ease of use and universal support, but AVIF provides better quality for web optimization.
Why convert AVIF to JPG? Understanding the benefits of image conversion
The AVIF image format is gaining popularity due to its superior compression and high-quality visuals. However, not all platforms and devices support AVIF yet.
AVIF to JPG conversion ensures compatibility across different websites, email clients, and applications.
Additionally, JPG files are easier to edit, widely supported, and generally faster to load on the web.
When should you convert AVIF to JPG?
- Compatibility issues – Some older browsers, email clients, and image viewers do not support AVIF. Converting to JPG ensures the image can be accessed by all users.
- Editing flexibility – Many image editing tools and software have limited support for AVIF, while JPG is universally supported, making editing and modifications easier.
- Website performance – Although AVIF offers better compression, some content management systems and website builders optimize JPG images better for web performance.
- File sharing and printing – Some social media platforms, messaging apps, and print services may not support AVIF, requiring conversion to JPG for seamless sharing and printing.
Considerations when converting
While AVIF to JPG online conversion improves compatibility, it may result in a slight loss of image quality due to JPG’s lossy compression. To minimize quality loss, use high-quality conversion settings and avoid multiple conversions between formats.
What is AVIF? What you need to know about the AVIF image format
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a modern image format that offers superior compression and high-quality visuals.
Based on the AV1 video codec, it is designed to deliver images with smaller file sizes without sacrificing quality. This makes AVIF a perfect choice for web use, where speed and bandwidth are important.
Compared to older formats like JPEG and PNG, AVIF is more efficient, providing better image quality at reduced file sizes, which is a big advantage for websites and applications.
One of the standout features of AVIF is its advanced compression. It can significantly reduce the size of an image while maintaining visual clarity, making it ideal for use on websites where fast load times are important.
AVIF also supports 10-bit color depth, which enhances image quality by allowing more vibrant colors, smoother gradients, and better handling of shadows and highlights.
It’s also capable of supporting transparency, similar to PNG, which adds to its versatility for different use cases. Additionally, AVIF supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), providing improved contrast and brightness in images—something that older formats like JPEG cannot offer.
Since AVIF files are smaller, they load faster, which contributes to a better user experience, especially for mobile users or those on slower internet connections. It also offers better compression than traditional formats like JPEG or PNG, making it more efficient for both storage and display purposes.
As shown in the example below, the image size has been drastically reduced by 98%, from 278KB to only 5KB, after lossy compression and conversion to AVIF using ShortPixel.
As major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari have started supporting AVIF, its adoption is on the rise, especially among web developers and content creators looking for ways to optimize their images.
However, AVIF isn’t without its drawbacks. While support is expanding, older devices and software may not fully support the format yet, which can create compatibility issues. Additionally, the encoding process for AVIF images can take longer due to its complex compression algorithms.
Despite these limitations, the benefits of AVIF make it a strong contender for the future of image formats.
What is JPG? Understanding JPG: The most popular image format
JPG (or JPEG) is one of the most commonly used image formats, known for its ability to balance image quality and file size. This makes JPG ideal for a wide range of uses, from websites and emails to digital photography.
By using lossy compression, JPG significantly reduces file size, making it easier to store and share images, though some quality may be lost in the process. Despite this, JPG remains the go-to format for most applications due to its versatility and broad compatibility.
One of the main reasons JPG is so popular is its universal support. Almost every browser, operating system, and image editing tool can open and work with JPG files without any issues. This broad compatibility ensures that images in this format can be accessed and displayed easily across different devices and platforms. For anyone looking to share images on the web or send them via email, JPG is often the format of choice, thanks to its balance of quality and efficient file size.
JPG’s lossy compression can be a double-edged sword. While it helps keep file sizes manageable, especially for large images like photos, it does so by discarding some image data. This means that while JPGs can look great at high quality settings, repeated editing or saving can degrade the image over time. However, this compression is also why JPGs are such a practical choice for most digital applications, as the file sizes are much smaller than lossless formats like PNG or TIFF, making them easier to store and share.
Because JPG is supported by nearly all devices and software, converting other image formats (like AVIF) to JPG ensures broader accessibility and more seamless usage. It may not have the advanced features of newer formats like AVIF, such as better compression or HDR support, but its widespread use and compatibility make it a safe and reliable choice for everyday image needs.
Why convert AVIF to JPG?
There are several reasons why converting AVIF to JPG can be beneficial:
✅ Better compatibility: While AVIF is gaining popularity, many devices, browsers, and applications still don’t support it fully. JPG, on the other hand, is universally accepted and works seamlessly across almost all platforms.
✅ Easier editing: JPG files are supported by virtually all image editing software, making it easier to make changes. AVIF, though growing in support, isn’t as widely compatible with editing tools, limiting your options if you need to tweak the image.
✅ Web and email optimization: JPG is the most widely used image format on the web and is optimized for SEO and web performance. It helps with faster page load times, making it ideal for websites and email attachments where speed is crucial.
✅ Social media and sharing: Most social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are optimized for JPG images and may not properly display AVIF files. Converting to JPG ensures your images are shared without any issues.
✅ Printing and offline use: Many printing services and offline applications still prefer JPG due to its widespread adoption. AVIF isn’t always supported by printers or programs that process offline images, so JPG ensures compatibility for printing needs.
How to convert AVIF to JPG using online tools
If you need a quick and easy way to convert AVIF to JPG, online tools are a great option. Here’s how you can easily do it:
- Choose a free AVIF to JPG converter
There are several reliable free converters available, such as CloudConvert, Convertio, and Ezgif. These tools offer simple interfaces and fast conversions.
- Upload your AVIF file
Most online converters allow you to either drag and drop your file or manually select it from your device. Simply follow the instructions on the site to upload the AVIF image you want to convert.
- Select JPG as the output format
Ensure that JPG is selected as the desired output format. Some tools also allow you to adjust quality settings, so you can choose the level of compression that works best for your needs.
- Start the conversion process
Click the button to get started, and the tool will begin converting your AVIF file to JPG. Depending on the file size and the tool, this may take a few moments.
- Download the JPG file
Once the conversion is complete, you can download the JPG file to your device. From there, you can use or share the image as needed.
How converting AVIF to JPG affects image quality and file size
While AVIF provides superior compression and image quality, converting AVIF to JPG can affect both image quality and file size. Here’s what you need to know:
- Quality loss: AVIF images, known for their sharpness and color accuracy, may lose some of these details when converted to JPG. JPG uses lossy compression, which discards some image data to reduce file size, leading to potential softness or color shifts.
- File size increase: AVIF files are more compressed than JPG files, so converting to JPG often results in a larger file size. This can be a trade-off if you’re aiming to keep the file sizes small for storage or web use.
To minimize quality loss during conversion, use a high-quality AVIF to JPG tool that offers options to adjust compression settings. By selecting a higher quality setting, you can maintain more of the original image detail while converting.
AVIF vs JPG vs WebP: Which image format is best for you?
Each image format has its strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice depends on your specific needs:
- AVIF: This format offers excellent compression and high-quality visuals, making it ideal for high-quality images with smaller file sizes. However, it has limited support across browsers and devices, which may be a drawback for some users.
- JPG: JPG is the most universally compatible format, supported by nearly every browser, operating system, and image editing tool. It strikes a good balance between quality and file size, making it the go-to choice for web performance, SEO (including image SEO), and email attachments. Its widespread use ensures it remains the most practical option for compatibility.
- WebP: WebP offers a middle ground between AVIF and JPG. It provides better compression than JPG while having more widespread support than AVIF. WebP is a great choice for modern web applications, offering faster loading times and smaller file sizes while being supported by major browsers.
For web performance and SEO, JPG remains the most practical choice due to its compatibility and speed. If you’re working with modern web applications, WebP could be a better option due to its compression efficiency and broader support. However, if you’re after cutting-edge image quality and are willing to navigate its limited support, AVIF is definitely worth considering.
Final thoughts
Converting AVIF to JPG is essential for ensuring compatibility, easy editing, and better performance on websites and emails.
Whether you use an online AVIF to JPG converter or a dedicated tool, the process is quick and simple.
While AVIF is a promising format, JPG remains the go-to choice for most users due to its reliability and universal support.
If you frequently work with AVIF images, consider keeping both AVIF and JPG versions of your files to take advantage of AVIF’s superior compression while maintaining the flexibility of JPG for broader usage.
Why do we save images as AVIF?
We save images as AVIF because it provides high-quality compression with smaller file sizes compared to JPEG and PNG. This improves loading times and reduces bandwidth usage without sacrificing image quality. It also supports transparency and HDR, making it a versatile choice for modern web use.
Can I change an AVIF file to JPG?
Yes, you can convert an AVIF file to JPG using image editing software or online converters. Some web tools and applications like GIMP and command-line utilities support this conversion.
How do I ensure the image quality is preserved when converting from AVIF to JPG?
Use a high-quality conversion tool and set the JPG quality to the highest possible level, usually 100%. Avoid excessive compression, and if available, use a lossless conversion option. Editing software allows you to adjust quality settings manually to minimize loss.
Is AVIF better than JPG?
Yes, AVIF is better than JPG in terms of compression efficiency, image quality, and support for advanced features like transparency and HDR. It provides smaller file sizes while maintaining high visual fidelity, making it a better choice for modern web and media use. However, JPG is still more widely supported across all devices and software.
What are the disadvantages of converting AVIF to JPG?
Converting AVIF to JPG results in a larger file size and potential loss of image quality due to JPG’s lossy compression. JPG also lacks transparency support and HDR capabilities, which AVIF offers. Additionally, repeated conversions can further degrade image quality.
Can I batch convert multiple AVIF files to JPG?
Yes, you can batch convert multiple AVIF files to JPG using software like XnConvert, IrfanView, or command-line tools like ImageMagick. Many online converters also support batch processing.
Does converting AVIF to JPG reduce the image quality?
Yes, converting AVIF to JPG can reduce image quality because JPG uses lossy compression. The extent of quality loss depends on the compression settings used during conversion. Higher quality settings minimize loss, but some degradation is inevitable.
Why would I need to convert AVIF to JPG?
You might need to convert AVIF image to JPG for compatibility with devices, software, or websites that don’t support AVIF. JPG is widely supported across all platforms, making it a more accessible format for sharing and viewing images.
