What converting PNG to AVIF actually does
AVIF is a modern image format built on the AV1 video codec, and converting a PNG to it typically cuts the file to somewhere between a tenth and a half of its original size while keeping full transparency. PNG stores images losslessly, which is the right call for a master file and the wrong call for a web page — every pixel of every gradient is written out in full, and the byte count shows it.
AVIF approaches the same picture differently. It looks for structure across the whole image, spends real effort finding redundancy, and throws away only detail a person will not notice at normal viewing size. On a photograph or a screenshot with soft shading, that difference is dramatic. On a flat two-colour logo, PNG is already efficient and the gap narrows.
The practical rule: if the PNG contains a photograph, a gradient, a UI screenshot, or anything with soft edges, AVIF will beat it by a wide margin. If it is line art or a small icon, convert it anyway and compare — but expect a smaller win.
Convert PNG to AVIF in three steps
- Drop your PNG files inDrag one image or a whole folder onto the converter above. Nothing is uploaded — the files load straight into your browser's memory.
- AVIF is already selectedOutput is set to AVIF. Quality 75 is a strong default; raise it for artwork with flat colour, lower it when you want the smallest possible file.
- Download your AVIFSave one file, or export the whole batch as a ZIP. Original filenames are kept — only the extension changes.
PNG vs AVIF
| PNG | AVIF | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless, large files | Lossy or lossless, far smaller |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Colour depth | Up to 16-bit | Up to 12-bit, plus HDR |
| Encoding speed | Fast | Slower — it works harder |
| Best for | Masters, editing, print | Shipping images to browsers |
Keep the PNG as your editable master. Ship the AVIF. If you need something in between — broad support with a decent size cut — PNG to WebP is the safer middle ground.
Nothing you convert leaves this page
Most converters upload your images to a server, process them there, and hand back a download link. Compressly does not. The libavif encoder is compiled to WebAssembly and runs on your own machine, which means a client mockup, an unreleased product shot, or a screenshot with something private in the corner never travels anywhere. It also means there is no queue and no per-file upload limit imposed by someone else's bandwidth.
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Questions
How much smaller is AVIF than PNG?
For photographs and detailed images, AVIF is commonly 50–90% smaller than the same picture stored as PNG. The exact saving depends on the image: flat graphics with few colours compress well as PNG already, so the gap is smaller there.
Does PNG to AVIF keep transparency?
Yes. AVIF supports a full alpha channel, so a transparent PNG stays transparent after conversion. Nothing is flattened onto a solid background.
Do all browsers support AVIF?
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari and Opera all decode AVIF in their current versions. For very old browsers, serve AVIF inside a picture element with a PNG or WebP fallback.
Is anything uploaded to a server?
No. The AVIF encoder runs inside your browser as WebAssembly, so your PNG files never leave your device. Open DevTools and watch the Network tab while converting to confirm it.
Why is AVIF encoding slower than WebP?
AVIF searches much harder for redundancy than WebP does, which is exactly why the files come out smaller. Expect a few seconds per image on a laptop; the work is spread across several threads.
Ready to convert?
Drop your PNGs in and watch them shrink — privately, in your browser.
Convert PNG to AVIF →