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How to Open AVIF Files – Complete Compatibility Guide

Everything you need to know about opening AVIF files on any browser, operating system, or application.

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Quick Answer

AVIF files open natively in all modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari 16.4+), in Windows 11, and in macOS Ventura or later. On older systems, or in software that doesn't support AVIF, convert the file to JPG, PNG, or WebP.

Browser Compatibility

BrowserVersionAVIF Support
Chrome85+ (Aug 2020)Full support
Firefox93+ (Oct 2021)Full support
Edge85+ (Aug 2020)Full support
Safari16.4+ (Mar 2023)Full support
Opera71+ (Sep 2020)Full support
Samsung Internet16+ (Mar 2022)Full support

Operating System Compatibility

Windows 11 supports AVIF in the Photos app and File Explorer. If AVIF files don't open, install the "AV1 Video Extension" from the Microsoft Store.

Windows 10 has no native AVIF support. Install the AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store, or convert AVIF files to a more widely supported format.

macOS Ventura (13.0) and later supports AVIF natively in Preview, Photos, and Safari. Older macOS versions need conversion or a third-party viewer.

On Linux, support depends on your distribution and desktop environment. Most modern distributions with a recent GNOME or KDE support AVIF through gstreamer or ffmpeg plugins.

How to Open AVIF When You Can't

If your device or software doesn't support AVIF, the most reliable fix is to convert the file:

  1. Convert to JPG for photographs and the widest compatibility
  2. Convert to PNG for graphics with transparency or sharp edges
  3. Convert to WebP for a middle ground between size and compatibility

Our converter does all three in your browser, with nothing to install.

Why AVIF Files Might Not Open

AVIF compresses images with the AV1 video codec. Decoding it takes more processing power than older formats, which is why older devices and browsers may struggle with it or not support it at all. The codec is also fairly new, so some image editing software hasn't added support yet.

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Convert AVIF files to any format in your browser, with no software to install and no uploads to a server.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which browsers support AVIF?

AVIF is supported in Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, Edge 85+, Safari 16.4+, Opera 71+, and Samsung Internet 16+. If your browser is newer than these versions, AVIF files should open and display correctly without any additional software.

How do I open AVIF files on Windows?

On Windows 11, AVIF support is built into the Photos app. On Windows 10, you may need to install the AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store. If neither option works, convert the AVIF file to JPG or PNG using our online converter for guaranteed compatibility.

How do I open AVIF files on Mac?

On macOS Ventura (13.0) and later, AVIF files open natively in Preview, Photos, and Safari. On older macOS versions, you'll need to convert AVIF to JPG or PNG first, or use a third-party application that supports AVIF.

Can I open AVIF files in Photoshop or Lightroom?

Support varies by version. Photoshop 2024 (v25.x) and later can open AVIF files with a plugin. Older versions do not support AVIF natively. The simplest workaround is to convert AVIF to PNG or JPG before editing.