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.AVIF file extension

To open .AVIF files on Windows, right-click the .AVIF file and select 'Open with'.

.AVIF files are image files that can be opened using compatible applications. To open a .AVIF file, use a supported app on your device.

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Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

How to open .AVIF files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .AVIF files safely.

Windows

  1. Right-click the .AVIF file and select 'Open with'.
  2. Choose a compatible app like Microsoft Photos or a third-party viewer.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Control-click the .AVIF file and select 'Open With'.
  2. Use Preview or another app that supports AVIF.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Right-click the .AVIF file and choose 'Open With'.
  2. Select an application like GIMP or a compatible image viewer.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Tap the .AVIF file in Files and select 'Share'.
  2. Open with an app that supports AVIF if Quick Look is unavailable.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Open the .AVIF file from your file manager.
  2. Select an app like Google Photos or another AVIF-compatible viewer.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Open .AVIF files only from trusted sources.
  • Ensure your antivirus software is up to date.
  • Avoid executing any scripts embedded in image files.

Recommended antivirus software

Scan files before opening them. These antivirus tools help protect against malware and viruses.

Avast

Avast offers free and premium antivirus software that protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing. Scan files before opening them to ensure safety.

Norton

Norton 360 delivers comprehensive antivirus protection, VPN, and identity theft monitoring. Scan files for threats before opening to keep your device secure.

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Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .AVIF files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • File won't open
  • Poor image quality

Fix steps

  1. Ensure your app supports AVIF and is updated.
  2. Check the file's integrity and source.

OS-specific troubleshooting

Convert .AVIF to other formats

Use conversion tools to change .AVIF files into formats your software supports.

What is a .AVIF file?

.AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format, which is based on the AV1 video codec. It provides superior compression and image quality, making it ideal for web and application use.

Background

The AVIF format was developed by the Alliance for Open Media, aiming to provide an efficient image format with high compression rates and excellent quality. It uses the AV1 codec, which is also used for video compression, to achieve smaller file sizes without compromising on image quality. This makes AVIF particularly useful for web developers and digital photographers who require high-quality images with reduced bandwidth usage.

AVIF supports features like HDR (High Dynamic Range), transparency, and various color spaces, making it a versatile choice for different applications. Since its introduction, it has gained support from major web browsers and image editing software, contributing to its growing popularity.

Despite its advantages, AVIF adoption is still in progress, and not all software supports it natively. Users may need to install additional plugins or updates to view and edit AVIF files. However, as more platforms recognize its benefits, support is expected to increase.

Common MIME types: image/avif

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .AVIF format.

Common .AVIF issues

File won't open

The application may not support AVIF or the file could be corrupted.

  1. Ensure your app supports AVIF and is updated.
  2. Check the file's integrity and source.

Poor image quality

The image may have been overly compressed or not properly encoded.

  1. Try opening the file in a different viewer.
  2. Verify the file's source and consider re-downloading.

FAQ

Can I convert other image formats to .AVIF?

Yes, use a reliable conversion tool or image editing software that supports AVIF export.

Why is my AVIF file not displaying correctly?

Ensure the application supports AVIF and is updated to the latest version.

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