Compare
PNG vs AVIF
PNG is a widely supported lossless raster format with transparency. AVIF is a newer image format that can reduce file size, but support and encoding choices matter. Compare actual images and delivery requirements.
Which format should you choose?
Use PNG when broad compatibility and lossless graphics are priorities; test AVIF for web delivery when target browsers support it and provide a fallback where needed.
Good fit for PNG
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
- Images requiring transparency
- Text and line art
Good fit for AVIF
Web image delivery · Optimized photographs · Transparent web images
- Balancing quality and transfer size
- Delivery environments confirmed to support AVIF
Basic information
| Field | PNG | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .png | .avif |
| MIME type | image/png | image/avif |
| Common uses | UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images | Web image delivery · Optimized photographs · Transparent web images |
| How to open | Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open PNG files. | Compatible web browsers can display AVIF on a page. For local files, confirm that your operating-system viewer or image editor supports AVIF. |
| Export or convert | Export PNG to JPEG only when transparency and lossless quality are no longer needed. Keep the original PNG for editing, and use a proper export command rather than changing the filename extension. | When converting JPEG or PNG to AVIF, retain the source image and check quality settings and transparency. When converting AVIF to another format, features or metadata unsupported by the output format may not be retained. |
Choose by use case
Images requiring transparency
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGText and line art
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGBalancing quality and transfer size
Web image delivery · Optimized photographs · Transparent web images
AVIFDelivery environments confirmed to support AVIF
Web image delivery · Optimized photographs · Transparent web images
AVIFKey point 1
PNG offers broad support and lossless storage.
More on the differencesKey point 2
AVIF can reduce size, with results depending on image and encoding settings.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Measure representative images at acceptable visual quality and verify transparency, color, metadata, and decoding in target browsers. Keep a compatible fallback if your audience or pipeline needs one.
- PNG is commonly used for crisp graphics and transparent images.
- AVIF is a newer web delivery option with lossy and lossless encoding modes.
- A smaller file is not guaranteed for every image or setting.
Frequently asked questions
Does AVIF always make images smaller than PNG?
No. Results depend on the image, encoder, and settings. Compare the actual output at the quality you need.