PNG vs AVIF: lossless master or tiny web asset?
PNG preserves every pixel and supports transparency—ideal for UI and screenshots. AVIF can deliver similar visual quality at a fraction of the size using modern compression.
| PNG | AVIF | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy or lossless AV1 |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| File size on UI assets | Large | Usually much smaller |
| Editing workflow | Universal in design tools | Growing support |
| Best for | Masters and crisp graphics | Fast-loading production sites |
Verdict
Keep PNG as your editable master. Publish AVIF (with PNG fallback) when page weight and Core Web Vitals matter.