How to Convert AVIF to JPG (Free Online Guide)

What is AVIF?

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a next-generation image format that offers exceptional compression. Developed by the Alliance for Open Media, AVIF can reduce image file sizes by 50% compared to JPG while maintaining the same visual quality.

Major tech companies including Google, Netflix, and Apple support AVIF. You might encounter AVIF images when downloading from modern websites, receiving files from certain apps, or when browsers automatically save images in this format.

Why Convert AVIF to JPG?

Despite its advantages, AVIF has compatibility limitations that make conversion necessary:

• Software compatibility: Many image editors, including older versions of Photoshop and GIMP, cannot open AVIF files
• Email attachments: Some email clients display AVIF as a download rather than an inline image
• Printing services: Most print shops accept JPG but not AVIF
• Social media: While most platforms support AVIF, some compress it poorly
• Older devices: Phones and computers with older operating systems may not display AVIF
• Document embedding: Microsoft Office and some PDF tools don't support AVIF

Method 1: Online Converter (Recommended)

The fastest way to convert AVIF to JPG is using an online converter. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose a Converter

Visit a free online AVIF to JPG converter. Look for tools that process images in your browser for maximum privacy, meaning your files never get uploaded to a server.

Step 2: Upload Your AVIF File

Drag and drop your AVIF image or click to browse and select files. Most converters support batch conversion for multiple files.

Step 3: Select Quality Settings

Choose the output quality for your JPG. For photos, 85-90% quality provides an excellent balance between file size and visual quality. For archival purposes, use 95-100%.

Step 4: Download Your JPG

Click convert and download your JPG file. For multiple images, you can typically download them as a ZIP archive.

Method 2: Using Desktop Software

Windows: Paint or Photos App

Windows 11 natively supports AVIF. Open the image in the Photos app or Paint, then save as JPG using "Save As" and selecting JPEG from the format dropdown.

macOS: Preview

macOS Ventura and later support AVIF. Open the file in Preview, go to File → Export, and select JPEG as the format.

GIMP (Free, Cross-platform)

GIMP 2.10.32 and later support AVIF. Open the file, then export as JPG using File → Export As, changing the file extension to .jpg.

Method 3: Command Line (Advanced)

For batch processing many files, command-line tools offer efficiency:

# Using ImageMagick
magick input.avif output.jpg

# Batch convert all AVIF files
magick mogrify -format jpg *.avif

Install ImageMagick from imagemagick.org (available for Windows, macOS, and Linux).

AVIF vs JPG: Understanding the Differences

Quality Settings Guide

100% Quality

Maximum quality with minimal compression. Use for professional photography, printing, or archival purposes. Files will be larger but maintain the most detail from the original AVIF.

85-95% Quality (Recommended)

Excellent quality suitable for most purposes. The difference from 100% is virtually imperceptible to the human eye, but file sizes are significantly smaller.

70-85% Quality

Good quality for web use and sharing. Some compression artifacts may appear on close inspection, but images look great at normal viewing distances.

Below 70% Quality

Noticeable quality reduction. Only use when file size is critical, such as thumbnails or preview images.

Handling Special Cases

AVIF with Transparency

JPG does not support transparency. When converting transparent AVIF images, the transparent areas will become a solid color (usually white). If you need to preserve transparency, convert to PNG instead.

Animated AVIF

AVIF can contain animations similar to GIF. Converting animated AVIF to JPG produces a static image of the first frame. To preserve animation, convert to GIF or WebP.

HDR AVIF Images

AVIF supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), but JPG does not. HDR images will be converted to standard dynamic range, which may result in reduced color vibrancy in highlights and shadows.

Batch Converting Multiple Files

When you have many AVIF files to convert, batch processing saves time:

• Online tools: Most support uploading multiple files and downloading as ZIP
• Command line: Use ImageMagick's mogrify for folder-wide conversion
• Desktop apps: IrfanView (Windows) and XnConvert (cross-platform) offer batch processing

Common Questions

Why can't I open my AVIF file?

Your software or operating system may not support AVIF yet. Windows 11, macOS Ventura, and recent versions of major browsers support AVIF natively. For older systems, convert to JPG for compatibility.

Is quality lost when converting AVIF to JPG?

Both AVIF and JPG use lossy compression, so some quality loss is inevitable during conversion. However, at 85%+ quality settings, the difference is usually invisible to the naked eye.

Should I keep the original AVIF file?

Yes, if storage permits. AVIF files are smaller and higher quality. Keep the AVIF as your "master" copy and use JPG for sharing and compatibility.

Can I convert JPG back to AVIF?

Yes, but you won't recover lost quality. Once converted to JPG, the quality reduction is permanent. Converting JPG to AVIF will create a smaller file but won't improve quality.

Conclusion

Converting AVIF to JPG is straightforward with the right tools. Online converters offer the fastest and most convenient solution for most users. For batch processing or advanced needs, desktop software and command-line tools provide additional flexibility.

While AVIF offers superior compression and features, JPG remains the universal format for maximum compatibility. Convert to JPG when you need to share images widely, use them in older software, or print them.