How to open AVIF files

By AVIF Studio · Updated 13 October 2026

Start with a current browser or image app. If your usual software does not recognize the file, convert the AVIF image into a format it accepts.

Open an AVIF file in your browser

Current browsers commonly support AVIF, but support can vary with version and the image features used. On a computer, drag the file into a browser window or use the browser's Open File command. This opens a local image; it does not turn it into another format.

On Windows

Try your current Photos app or another image viewer with AVIF support. If the file does not open, update the viewer, check its supported formats, or convert AVIF to JPG for a more widely accepted image.

On a Mac

Try Preview or a current browser. Support depends on the macOS version and the file. If your app does not accept AVIF, use the AVIF to PNG tool and open the downloaded PNG in your image editor.

On an iPhone or Android phone

Try opening the file from your Files app with an image viewer. If the viewer cannot display it, open one of our converters in your browser, choose the AVIF from your device and download the result. The exact save location depends on your browser and phone settings.

Why are images saving as AVIF?

The website may serve an AVIF version of its image for efficient delivery. Your browser saves that version, even if the picture looked like a familiar JPG or PNG on screen. Use a real converter if you need a different file type.

The file still will not open

• Download it again to rule out an incomplete file.
• Check whether it is a still image or an AVIF sequence.
• Do not change the extension to pretend it is PNG or JPG.
• Try a dedicated image editor for HDR or unusual AVIF files.

This site's converter accepts still AVIF images, with a 20 MB file limit and a 16-megapixel decoded-image limit. Animated AVIF is rejected.

Browser compatibility reference: MDN AVIF image guide.