Convert AVIF to PNG for maximum app compatibility and pixel-accurate graphics
AVIF is an AV1-based image format wrapped in an HEIF/ISO BMFF container, designed for high compression efficiency and modern imaging features like HDR/WCG, transparency, and even image sequences (animation). However, AVIF decoding support is still inconsistent across desktop apps, asset pipelines, and “upload-and-render” platforms—so teams often convert AVIF to PNG to eliminate format friction while keeping transparency intact.
PNG is a lossless raster format standardized with a chunk-based structure (IHDR/IDAT/IEND), and it defines the internet media type image/png. PNG supports grayscale, truecolor, indexed-color, and optional alpha with sample depths from 1 to 16 bits (depending on color type). That combination—lossless storage + broad decode support—makes PNG the “safe output” when you need images to open reliably in editors, slide decks, CMS uploads, and legacy tooling.
Vidofy.ai performs AVIF→PNG conversion with a server-side pipeline optimized for correctness: decode AV1/AVIF to an uncompressed pixel surface (including alpha), then encode a standards-compliant PNG using DEFLATE (PNG compression method 0). Files are processed in isolation, and our privacy-first workflow is built around automatic deletion after conversion completes (so your originals aren’t kept around longer than necessary).
AVIF vs PNG: Technical Differences That Matter in Real Workflows
AVIF and PNG can both represent high-quality raster images and transparency—but they optimize for different constraints. AVIF focuses on modern compression and HDR/WCG; PNG prioritizes lossless, widely interoperable pixel storage.
| Feature | AVIF | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| File structure / container | HEIF/ISO BMFF container storing a subset of AV1 bitstream syntax/semantics | 8-byte signature followed by typed chunks (e.g., IHDR…IDAT…IEND) |
| Compression model | AV1-based image coding; supports lossy and lossless modes | Lossless only; compression method 0 = DEFLATE (zlib/deflate-inflate, 32K window max) |
| Color depth (bit depth) | Supports HDR/WCG and the bit depths/color spaces defined in AV1; commonly 8/10/12-bit workflows | Bit depth depends on color type; allowed values include 1/2/4/8/16 (not all apply to all color types) |
| Transparency (alpha) | Supported (alpha channel) | Supported: grayscale+alpha (type 4) and truecolor+alpha (type 6); alpha is stored unassociated (non-premultiplied) |
| Animation / sequences | Supported (image sequences/animation) | Standard PNG file represents a single image (APNG is a separate extension) |
| Progressive display / interlacing | No progressive rendering behavior; images typically display after full download | Optional Adam7 interlace method (value 1) for progressive display |
| MIME type | image/avif | image/png |
| Encoding speed (practical constraint) | Encoding is typically slower than older formats; AVIF is often CPU-expensive to encode | Generally fast to encode/decode; designed for robust, streamable delivery |
| File Size / Efficiency (lossless workflows) | AOMedia reports major savings vs JPEG/WebP; AVIF v1.2.0 also documents an example with ~10% savings over a source 16-bit PNG in a lossless encode scenario (results vary by settings/content) | Lossless DEFLATE; size is content-dependent and often larger than modern codecs for complex photographic images |
Detailed Analysis
Why PNG is the “safe output” for transparency-heavy assets
PNG’s alpha model is explicitly defined as unassociated (non-premultiplied) alpha, which is the most interoperable representation for design tools and compositing pipelines (it avoids “baked-in” background math). When converting AVIF to PNG, the key quality risk is not PNG compression (PNG is lossless) but incorrect alpha handling (premultiply/unpremultiply mistakes) that can cause edge halos on logos, UI assets, and overlays.
Vidofy.ai’s AVIF→PNG pipeline is built to preserve alpha as real transparency (not flattened pixels), so your exported PNG remains production-ready for overlays in web/app UI and brand assets.
Bit depth & HDR: when AVIF may carry more precision than your PNG target
AVIF is designed for modern imaging and explicitly supports HDR/WCG. PNG can store 16-bit sample data (truecolor 16-bit and truecolor+alpha 16-bit are defined), which is useful when your source AVIF has higher precision and you want to avoid banding during edits. If your downstream tools are 8-bit-only, exporting 8-bit PNG is often the best compatibility choice, but it may require tone mapping / gamut mapping when the source content is HDR.
Verdict: Use PNG when you need universal import, transparency reliability, and lossless pixels
Standards-compliant PNG output (DEFLATE method 0 + correct chunk structure)
Alpha-preserving conversion for logos, UI assets, and overlays
Server-side AVIF decoding to avoid browser/device bottlenecks
How It Works
Follow these 3 simple steps to get started with our platform.
Step 1: Upload your AVIF
Drop a .avif file (or multiple files) into Vidofy.ai. The converter detects AVIF and prepares a decode pipeline (including alpha).
Step 2: Convert to PNG (lossless pixel encoding)
Vidofy.ai decodes the AV1/AVIF image data, then encodes a standards-compliant PNG using DEFLATE (compression method 0).
Step 3: Download your PNG
Download the converted PNG for use in editors, documents, and platforms that expect image/png compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is converting AVIF to PNG lossless?
The PNG encoding step is lossless (PNG uses DEFLATE compression method 0), but overall “losslessness” depends on the source AVIF. If the AVIF was created with lossy compression, converting to PNG cannot restore discarded detail—it will preserve the pixels as decoded from the AVIF.
Will my transparent AVIF stay transparent after converting to PNG?
Yes—both AVIF and PNG support alpha transparency, and PNG stores alpha explicitly (color type 4/6) with a well-defined non-premultiplied alpha model.
Why is the PNG file often bigger than the AVIF?
AVIF is designed for high compression efficiency using AV1-derived techniques, while PNG is lossless DEFLATE. For photographic/complex imagery, a lossless PNG commonly requires more bytes than an AVIF optimized for size.
Does PNG support 16-bit output for higher precision?
PNG supports 16-bit samples for truecolor and truecolor+alpha (and grayscale variants), which can help preserve gradients and precision when converting higher-bit-depth sources.
Does PNG support progressive display?
PNG supports an optional interlace method (Adam7) for progressive display behavior, while AVIF is commonly described as lacking progressive rendering in typical web delivery.
How does Vidofy.ai keep AVIF to PNG conversion secure?
Transfers are protected in transit (SSL/TLS is a common baseline for web converters), and Vidofy.ai is designed around privacy-first handling with automatic deletion after processing so files aren’t retained longer than needed.
Do PNG files support animation like AVIF?
AVIF can store image sequences (animation). Standard PNG represents a single image (animated PNG/APNG is a separate extension). If you convert an animated AVIF to PNG, you typically get a single frame or a frame set handled outside standard PNG.