To learn how to open avif files immediately, drag and drop the image into modern web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. If your desktop image viewer shows a blank screen or an unsupported format error, converting the file with an AVIF to JPG converter makes it readable across any application without installing extra software. Native operating system tools also handle AVIF once the right system extension or update is in place.

Which method should you pick?

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) offers incredible compression efficiency, often beating older formats like JPG or even WebP. You can read our breakdown of AVIF vs WebP to see how the compression technologies differ. However, system support varies across platforms. Here is how to decide on the best route:

  • Quick viewing without installs: Use your web browser. Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, and Safari 16+ decode AVIF natively.
  • Editing in older software: Convert the file to JPG or PNG. Desktop software like legacy Adobe Photoshop or older graphic suites cannot read raw AVIF containers.
  • Native system integration: Install the AV1 Video Extension on Windows or use native Apple Preview on macOS Ventura and newer.

Method 1: Convert AVIF to JPG in your browser

When you need to import an image into a desktop program, share it with someone on an older device, or send it to print, converting to JPG is the most reliable path. AtomnyX provides a free, browser-based AVIF to JPG converter that processes your files locally on your machine without uploading them to a remote server.

  1. Open your web browser (make sure you run Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, or Safari 16+ so your browser can decode AVIF).
  2. Navigate to the AtomnyX converter tool.
  3. Drag your AVIF file into the drop area, or click to select the file from your computer or phone.
  4. Save the converted JPEG file to your local drive.

Because AVIF achieves roughly 50% better compression than standard JPEG, your exported JPEG will typically be 50% to 100% larger than the AVIF original at matching visual quality. For example, a 200 KB AVIF saved around quality 80 might turn into a 400 KB to 450 KB JPEG at quality 90. If your storage space is tight, keep the original AVIF as an archive and only distribute the JPG copy.

Method 2: Open AVIF files on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 11 includes broader built-in codec support, but Windows 10 frequently lacks the decoder required by the default Photos app. Opening an AVIF file on a PC without the proper codec results in an error message stating that the file cannot be opened.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store on your PC.
  2. Search for "AV1 Video Extension" (published by Microsoft Corporation).
  3. Click Get or Install to add the codec to your system.
  4. Once installed, locate your AVIF file in File Explorer.
  5. Right-click the image, choose Open with, and select Photos.

Once this extension is installed, Windows File Explorer will also generate visual thumbnails for AVIF files instead of blank icons.

Method 3: Open AVIF files on Mac

Apple introduced native support for AVIF in macOS Ventura (version 13) and iOS 16. On modern macOS versions, opening these images requires no third-party software.

  1. Locate the AVIF file in Finder.
  2. Double-click the file to open it automatically in Preview.
  3. Alternatively, select the file and press the Spacebar to view it instantly using Quick Look.
  4. If you run an older macOS version (macOS Monterey or earlier), drag the AVIF file into Safari or Google Chrome to view it, or use the AtomnyX conversion tool to save it as a JPG.

Method 4: Open AVIF files on Android and iPhone

Mobile platforms handle AVIF differently based on the operating system version.

On iPhone

  1. Ensure your device runs iOS 16 or newer.
  2. Tap the AVIF file inside the Files app or Safari to open the native image viewer.
  3. To save it to the Photos app, tap the Share icon and select Save Image.
  4. If you run iOS 15 or earlier, open the file in mobile Safari or convert it to JPG first.

On Android

  1. Android 12 introduced system-level decoding for AV1 and AVIF images. Locate the file in the Files by Google app.
  2. Tap the file to display it via Google Photos or the default gallery viewer.
  3. On devices running Android 11 or older, open the file directly inside the Google Chrome mobile app.

Method 5: Open AVIF files in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

Adobe added native AVIF import support to Photoshop starting with version 25.0 (Photoshop 2024). Adobe Illustrator, however, still lacks direct drag-and-drop import support for raw AVIF containers in many workflows.

  1. Update Adobe Photoshop via the Creative Cloud desktop app to ensure you run version 25.0 or later.
  2. In Photoshop, select File > Open and pick your AVIF file.
  3. If you use an older version of Photoshop (such as CS6, CC 2019, or CC 2022), Photoshop will state that it cannot parse the file format. In this case, convert the image to JPG or PNG beforehand.
  4. For Adobe Illustrator, convert the AVIF image using an AVIF to JPG converter or turn it into a PNG, then go to File > Place to bring the artwork onto your artboard.

Common problems and fixes

If you still cannot display an AVIF file, run through these diagnostic steps:

The browser shows an empty box or broken image icon

AVIF decoding relies on modern browser engines. Chrome added support in version 85, Firefox in version 93, and Safari in version 16. If you use legacy browser releases or enterprise builds locked to older versions, update your browser to its latest stable release.

Windows Photos shows an error after installing the extension

Occasionally, Windows File Explorer fails to register the new decoder immediately. Restart your PC after installing the AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store. If the issue persists, right-click the file, select Open with, and choose your updated web browser (Edge or Chrome) as a dependable viewer.

File size increased after exporting to JPG

AVIF is a modern compression container standardized in 2019, while JPEG dates back to 1992. AVIF captures complex gradients and fine textures with much less data. When you convert an AVIF to a format like JPG, the JPEG compression engine must store significantly more information to maintain the same visual clarity, leading to file sizes that are often twice as large. To counter this, you can run the resulting file through our JPG compressor to cut unnecessary metadata and trim excess bytes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I open an AVIF file on my computer?

AVIF is a relatively modern format, standardized in 2019, and desktop software support is still catching up. Windows 10 requires an optional codec update from the Microsoft Store, older Photoshop versions do not support it, and older image viewers do not recognize the container. Converting the file to JPG immediately resolves compatibility problems across all desktop programs.

How do I open an AVIF file on Windows 10 without downloading apps?

The fastest zero-install method on Windows 10 is using your web browser. Right-click the AVIF file, click Open with, and select Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox. All modern browsers read and render AVIF files natively.

Can I open an AVIF file in Adobe Illustrator?

Illustrator does not reliably open or place AVIF files directly across standard versions. To work with the image in Illustrator, convert the AVIF file to a JPG or PNG first, then import the graphic using the standard File > Place command.

Should I delete my original AVIF files after converting to JPG?

Keep your original AVIF files if storage space matters to you. Because AVIF is roughly 50% more compact than JPEG at equal visual fidelity, your AVIF files represent your smallest archival copies. Use the converted JPEG files strictly for sharing, printing, or editing in programs that lack native AVIF decoders.

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