AVIF File Extension

What is AVIF file?

Files with .AVIF extension are used to store raster graphics in AV1 Image File format. This format uses AOMedia Video 1 compression and stores images in HEIF - High Efficiency Image File Format container format. The specification allows storing single images as well as image sequences. The first revision of the standard, AVIF 1.0.0, was completed in 2018. The project is maintained by Alliance for Open Media organization. Test conducted by Netflix in 2020 showed that AVIF files offer better compression ratios and quality than the popular JPEG format.

AVIF format capabilities

AVIF standard supports multiple graphics formats making it a versatile image format. AVIF files supports such features as:

• multiple color spaces, including HDR, SDR, ICC profiles, CICP,
• lossy and lossless compression,
• 8, 10 or 12 bit color depth, monochrome,
• image sequences and animations.

AVIF files can be saved using basic or advanced profile as defined in AVIF specification.

Where are AVIF files supported?

AVIF format is supported on many systems and in many applications. Microsoft Windows version 10 and later with May 2019 19H1 update offers API support for AVIF files, as well as support for this format in Paint and Explorer applications. Android 12, macOS Ventura and various Linux distributions also offer native support for AVIF. Some image editing programs, image viewers and web browsers also support AVIF format. By using a dedicated application with codec support it is possible to convert AVIF files to other image formats such as JPG, GIF or PNG.

Programs which support AVIF file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support AVIF files. AVIF files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 04/10/2023

How to open file with AVIF extension?

Being unable to open files with AVIF extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with AVIF files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Google Chrome

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening AVIF files is that no program that can handle AVIF files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Google Chrome or one to the listed programs: Firefox, Opera browser. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Google Chrome installed is by going to developer’s website (Google Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Google Chrome and update if needed

If the problems with opening AVIF files still occur even after installing Google Chrome, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Google Chrome is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Google Chrome installed, it may not support AVIF format. The latest version of Google Chrome should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Google Chrome to AVIF files

If you have the latest version of Google Chrome installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage AVIF on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the AVIF with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Google Chrome installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open AVIF files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with AVIF extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with AVIF extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the AVIF is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the AVIF file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The AVIF may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the AVIF file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the AVIF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the AVIF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the AVIF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with AVIF extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Google Chrome

If the systems has insufficient resources to open AVIF files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with AV1 Image Format Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with AVIF files affecting older versions of given software.

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