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AV1 AVIF is the official specification and reference design for the AV1 Image File Format (AVIF), defining how AV1-encoded bitstreams are packaged into the HEIF container format (based on ISOBMFF) to produce AVIF files. The project outlines the syntax and semantics required for AVIF compliance, including support for multiple image profiles, color depths, chroma subsampling modes, HDR/WCG, alpha channels, animation/image sequences, and various color-space/bit-depth combinations — making AVIF a versatile, modern image format suitable for both simple photos and advanced imagery needing high fidelity. The specification ensures interoperability across encoders and decoders, providing guidelines so that images created by any compliant AVIF encoder can be reliably decoded by compliant decoders. As adoption grows, AV1 AVIF plays a crucial role in promoting a royalty-free, open, high-efficiency image standard that competes with older formats such as JPEG and newer proprietary ones.
Features
- Defines container and bitstream rules for AVIF — packaging AV1 bitstreams in HEIF/ISOBMFF containers for still or animated images
- Supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), wide color gamut (WCG), multiple bit depths (8, 10, 12 bit), alpha channel, chroma subsampling (4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4, RGB), offering flexibility for diverse use cases
- Allows lossless or lossy compression, giving developers freedom to choose between maximum fidelity or maximum efficiency depending on context
- Supports image sequences or animations inside a single AVIF file — enabling use cases beyond static images (e.g. animated thumbnails, light animations)
- Provides a standardized, open-specification alternative to proprietary image formats — royalty-free, widely adoptable across platforms and browsers
- Well-documented and maintained spec that gives encoder/decoder developers a clear blueprint to implement compliant AVIF support and ensure interoperability across tools/browsers/clients
Project Samples
