Convert JPG to AVIF — The Next-Gen Format

Does converting JPG to AVIF improve the image quality?

No — AVIF can't restore detail that JPG's compression already discarded. What AVIF conversion does offer is better efficiency going forward: at the same visual quality, AVIF typically needs fewer bytes than JPG, so you can often shrink the file noticeably without any visible difference. The quality slider controls how much AVIF compresses on top of what JPG already did — higher settings keep more of the existing detail.

• AVIF can't add back detail JPG's compression already removed
• What it can do is store the same visual quality in a smaller file
• Use a high quality setting (80-90) to avoid stacking visible compression on top of JPG's
• For the best possible quality, the original (pre-JPG) source is always better than re-compressing a JPG

Will the AVIF file be smaller than the JPG?

Usually, yes — this is the main reason to convert. AVIF is one of the most space-efficient image formats available, generally producing smaller files than JPG at a similar visual quality. How much smaller depends on the quality setting and the image itself, but a meaningful reduction is the typical outcome, especially for photos.

• AVIF is generally more space-efficient than JPG at equivalent quality
• Photos with lots of detail or texture tend to see the biggest savings
• If the AVIF comes out larger, try lowering the quality setting slightly
• Smaller files mean faster page loads if used on a website

Does the AVIF support transparency that my JPG didn't have?

AVIF supports a full alpha channel, but converting a JPG doesn't create transparency out of nothing — JPG has no transparency information to carry over, so the AVIF starts out fully opaque, just like the JPG. If you want a transparent version of the image, you'd need to run it through a background-removal tool first; AVIF will then store that transparency correctly.

• The AVIF starts opaque, same as the source JPG — converting alone adds no transparency
• Use a background-removal tool first if you need a transparent version
• AVIF will store transparency correctly once it exists in the image
• Never save a transparent image back as JPG — transparent areas become solid white

Should I convert to AVIF or WebP?

AVIF generally edges out WebP on file size at the same quality, so if your target platform supports AVIF, it's often the better pick for web images. WebP has been supported for longer and works in a slightly wider range of browsers, apps, and editing tools. If you're unsure about support, WebP is the safer default; if you know AVIF is supported where the image will be used, it's usually the more efficient choice.

• AVIF: typically smaller files, best for modern browsers and CDNs
• WebP: broader compatibility across browsers, apps, and tools
• Both are far smaller than JPG at equivalent visual quality
• If a platform rejects AVIF, WebP is the next best choice