While cleaning up my Mac’s desktop, I recently noticed a file name and extension that I didn’t recognize. The thumbnail didn’t register on my Apple Mac, and the name and the extension .AVIF weren’t jogging my memory.
Turns out the .AVIF file extension is an image file type. An .AVIF is a highly-optimized image file format that can use HDR color mode, not just 8-bit color depth.
View an AVIF image file
Often the most straightforward way to open a file with the extension .AVIF is to drag or open the file in Google Chrome or Firefox. This quickly let me see that in fact, the image is one that I want to keep.
Open and Save Images as AVIF in PhotoShop
As a designer, my default image program is Adobe Photoshop. By default, opening the .AVIF is currently a no-go.
In the Spring 2023, there were third-party plugins for PhotoShop that extended it’s .AVIF capability, but only on a PC. For an easy Adobe workaround, Adobe Illustrator (27.3.1) did open .AVIF files, which allows you to copy and paste the image into PhotoShop on either a Mac or PC.
Now, in Spring of 2026, AVIF files open by default in Photoshop and can then easily be converted to a JPG.
Wix Studio Sites Use a CDN that Serves Images as AVIF
Wix uses AVIF because it is significantly more efficient than the older formats we grew up with (jpg and pngs). On my modern Mac, when I drag an image from a Wix Studio site to my desktop, it is placed as an AVIF. This is great for faster websites, but Facebook and Instagram have not caught up so they do not allow me to upload AVIF files, which means I have to convert those images back to JPGs or PNGS for upload to social media.
Here’s why the AVIF file-type is great for websites and used on Wix Studio sites automatically:
- Superior Compression: AVIF files can be up to 50% smaller than JPEGs without losing visible quality.
- Better Detail: The AVIF file type handles transparency (like PNGs) and HDR colors much better than older formats.
- SEO & Speed: Google loves fast sites. By serving AVIF files, Wix ensures your “Largest Contentful Paint” (a key speed metric) stays low, which helps your search rankings
Convert .AVIF image files using an online converter
As a Mac user, alternatively, I decided to use an online converter to turn my .AVIF file into a .JPG file extension that I can save and manipulate later. Covertio has a FREE .AVIF-specific converter. Use this free ad-based service to upload your .AVIF file, choose your new file format, and download the newly converted image file. Using online converters is one of my favorite tips for new designers; this technique sure beats saying, “I can’t open your provided file!”
I hope you found this quick post about .AVIF image files, specifically how to view an .AVIF image and convert it to your preferred file type using Chrome or Firefox.
