PNGAVIF
PNG vs AVIF: Which Image Format Should You Choose?
A side-by-side comparison of PNG (Portable Network Graphics) and AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) — covering compression, quality, file size, transparency, and browser support.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PNG | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | PNG (Portable Network Graphics) | AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) |
| Compression | Lossless | Both (Lossy & Lossless) |
| Typical Size | Large | Smallest |
| Transparency | ||
| Animation | ||
| Max Colors | 16.7 million + Alpha | 10-bit / 12-bit HDR |
| Browser Support | Universal (100%) | 92%+ (Chrome, Firefox, Safari 16.4+) |
| Year Created | 1996 | 2019 |
When to Use PNG
- Logos, icons, and branding assets that need transparency
- Screenshots and UI mockups with sharp text
- Graphics with flat colors and hard edges
- Images requiring a transparent background
- Archival of images without any quality loss
When to Use AVIF
- Maximum compression for web delivery
- Next-generation web projects targeting modern browsers
- HDR and wide-color-gamut photography
- Reducing CDN bandwidth costs significantly
- High-fidelity images at tiny file sizes
The Verdict
AVIF significantly outperforms PNG in file size while maintaining excellent quality. Use PNG for legacy compatibility and design tools that don't support AVIF yet.