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HEIC to AVIF Converter

Convert HEIC and HEIF images to modern AVIF online for free. Fast, simple, and secure.

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Maximum file size: 50 MB

Your file is processed securely and deleted automatically after conversion. Your data is protected under GDPR.

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Your HEIC image has been successfully converted to a AVIF image.

Download AVIF
1 Select HEIC
2 Convert to AVIF
3 Download AVIF

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How to convert HEIC to AVIF

  1. Upload one or more HEIC files (up to 50 MB total).
  2. Click 'Convert to AVIF' — finishes in under 4 seconds per image.
  3. Download AVIF files individually, or grab all as a ZIP.

Quick fact about HEIC

AVIF is the newest image format, built on the AV1 codec. It typically produces files 50% smaller than JPG — more efficient than both HEIC and WebP. Converting HEIC to AVIF future-proofs your photos for next-gen web delivery.

Why convert HEIC to AVIF?

AVIF is the newest mainstream image format, developed by the Alliance for Open Media (Google, Apple, Netflix, Amazon, etc.). It's based on the royalty-free AV1 codec and typically produces files 50% smaller than JPG — the most efficient mainstream still-image format today. Converting HEIC to AVIF lets you future-proof your photo library and achieve even better compression for modern browser delivery.

HEIC vs AVIF

Attribute HEIC AVIF
Developer Apple / MPEG Alliance for Open Media
Codec HEVC (H.265) AV1
Typical file size 40-50% smaller than JPG ~50% smaller than JPG
Alpha channel Supported Supported (10-bit capable)
HDR support 10-bit HDR 10-bit HDR
Browser support Safari only (until 2023) Universal since 2024
Best for iPhone photos Next-gen web delivery

Technical details

Input format HEIC, HEIF
Output format AVIF
Codec AV1
Compression Lossy (85% quality)
Transparency Preserved (8-bit alpha)
Typical output size ~50% smaller than JPG, ~20-30% smaller than HEIC
Browser support Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, Safari 16+, Edge 121+
Max file size 50 MB per file
File retention Auto-deleted after conversion

How the conversion works

The converter decodes the HEVC-compressed HEIC image and re-encodes it as AVIF using libavif at 85% quality. AV1-based compression is significantly more efficient than HEVC for still images. Transparency from HEIC's alpha channel is preserved (AVIF supports 8-bit alpha). EXIF metadata is preserved.

When to convert HEIC to AVIF

Quality considerations

AVIF output uses 85% quality — visually indistinguishable from the source HEIC at normal viewing distances. AV1's compression is more efficient than HEVC, so AVIF files are typically 20-30% smaller than HEIC equivalents at the same perceived quality. AVIF is the most efficient mainstream still-image format available today.

Limitations and caveats

Compatibility

Tips for best results

Common problems and fixes

AVIF conversion is slow
AVIF encoding is CPU-intensive. Typical conversion is 2-4 seconds per image. This is expected — the trade-off for the most efficient compression.
AVIF file won't open in older browser
AVIF requires Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, Safari 16+, or Edge 121+. For older browser support, use WebP instead or serve AVIF with fallback.
AVIF file is smaller than expected
AVIF files are typically 20-30% smaller than HEIC and 50% smaller than JPG. If the source HEIC was already heavily compressed, the AVIF saving will be smaller.

Frequently asked questions

Is AVIF the best image format? +
For compression efficiency, yes — AVIF produces the smallest files of any mainstream format. But AVIF encoding is slower and browser support is newer than WebP.
Does AVIF support transparency? +
Yes. AVIF has 8-bit alpha (10-bit capable) and preserves transparency from the source HEIC.
Is AVIF smaller than HEIC? +
Usually yes — AVIF is typically 20-30% smaller than HEIC at the same visual quality, because AV1 compression is more efficient than HEVC.
Will AVIF display in all browsers? +
In every browser released since 2020. For older browser support, serve AVIF with JPG or WebP fallback.
Does AVIF support HDR? +
Yes. AVIF supports 10-bit HDR, which is useful for modern HDR displays. Most common cases don't need HDR, but the capability is there.
Why is AVIF conversion slower? +
AV1 is a more complex codec than VP8 or HEVC. The efficiency gain comes at the cost of encoding time — typically 2-4 seconds per image instead of 1-2.
Is AVIF royalty-free? +
Yes. AV1 (and therefore AVIF) was designed by the Alliance for Open Media to be royalty-free — a major advantage over HEVC-based formats like HEIC.

Sources and references

Last reviewed: 2026-10-01