PNG vs AVIF
How do PNG and AVIFcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.png
Full guide →Portable Network Graphics
PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency. It was created as an improved, non-patented replacement for GIF. PNG is ideal for graphics, logos, screenshots, and any image where quality preservation is critical.
.avif
Full guide →AV1 Image File Format
AVIF is a next-generation image format based on the AV1 video codec. It offers the best compression ratios available today — significantly better than WebP and JPG — while being royalty-free and open source.
| Specification | PNG | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Network Graphics | AV1 Image File Format |
| Extension | .png | .avif |
| MIME type | image/png | image/avif |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Developer | PNG Development Group | Alliance for Open Media |
| Year introduced | 1996 | 2019 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
PNG advantages
- Lossless compression — no quality loss
- Supports full transparency (alpha channel)
- Great for text, logos, and sharp-edged graphics
- Universally supported across all browsers and platforms
PNG limitations
- Larger file sizes than JPG for photographs
- No animation support (use APNG or GIF instead)
- Not ideal for print workflows (CMYK not supported)
AVIF advantages
- Best-in-class compression efficiency
- Royalty-free and open source
- Supports HDR, wide color gamut, and transparency
- Both lossy and lossless modes
AVIF limitations
- Slow encoding speed
- Growing but incomplete browser support
- Limited editing software support
- Relatively new format
Which should you use?
Choose PNG when you need lossless quality, transparency, or sharp graphics. Choose AVIF when file size matters more than pixel-perfect quality — like photos for the web.
Best uses for PNG
Best uses for AVIF
Convert between PNG and AVIF
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.