How to Convert PNG to AVIF for Free

Why convert PNG to AVIF?

PNG is a lossless format and is excellent for graphics, screenshots, and transparency—but PNG files can be large. AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) uses modern compression techniques that often deliver significant smaller files at comparable visual quality, which is why performance-focused teams increasingly adopt it for web delivery.

• Much smaller files: AVIF can reduce size in many cases compared to PNG, especially for photos and complex images.
• High visual fidelity: AVIF preserves detail, gradients, and color accuracy extremely well.
• Modern web support: AVIF is supported by major modern browsers.
• Better performance: Smaller images improve load time and metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP).

How PNG to AVIF conversion works (in computer terms)

A PNG file is decoded into an uncompressed raster representation in memory (pixel-by-pixel RGB data, plus an optional alpha channel for transparency). That raster is then passed into an AV1 image encoder, which analyzes the image content and applies efficient perceptual compression to reduce redundancy while preserving important visual detail.

• Decode: PNG is expanded into full pixel data (lossless source).
• Preserve transparency (if supported): AVIF can support alpha transparency, so transparent PNGs can remain transparent.
• Re-encode: The image is encoded into AVIF using modern compression for smaller file sizes.
• Output: A .avif file optimized for high-quality, low-bandwidth delivery.

Note: The best settings depend on the image type. Screenshots and UI graphics may require different quality targets than photos.

Real-world use cases

• Web developers: A developer converts large PNG hero images to AVIF to reduce page weight and improve Core Web Vitals, especially LCP, without noticeably changing appearance.
• Content creators: A blogger converts PNG exports from design tools into AVIF so posts load faster on mobile while keeping images crisp.
• E-commerce teams: Stores convert PNG product graphics to AVIF to speed up category pages and reduce bandwidth costs, while maintaining detail and color accuracy.
• Performance-focused teams: Engineering teams adopt AVIF as part of a modern image pipeline alongside responsive images and format fallbacks.

When you should keep PNG instead

PNG is still the best choice for certain assets—especially when you need maximum compatibility or pixel-perfect graphics. AVIF is excellent for performance, but not every workflow is ready for it.

• Legacy environments: Older tools and systems may not support AVIF.
• Simple graphics and icons: PNG can be extremely clean and predictable for UI assets.
• Editing workflows: Some design tools still handle PNG more reliably than AVIF.

Security & privacy

Plomz is built with privacy-first processing. Your PNG files are used only to complete the conversion and are not stored permanently or shared with third parties.

• Encrypted transfer: Uploads occur over secure HTTPS connections.
• Temporary processing: Files exist only long enough to complete conversion.
• Automatic deletion: Uploaded and converted files are removed as soon as job completes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Built for modern image performance

Plomz is developed by engineers focused on performance, privacy, and practical web tooling. PNG to AVIF conversion is an optimization step used by teams who care about speed, bandwidth, and visual fidelity.

Our Popular tool: Resize image · Remove image background · Convert HEIC image to jpg