AVIF vs RAW Image: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of AVIF and RAW Image image formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. RAW Image is best for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers.

Quick Verdict

AVIF Best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio

✓ Best compression for images
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ HDR and wide color gamut
✗ Slow encoding

RAW Image Best for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers

✓ Full sensor data preserved
✓ Maximum editing flexibility
✓ High dynamic range
✗ Very large files

Convert RAW Image to AVIF →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVIF and RAW Image

Feature	AVIF	RAW Image
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2019	2000
MIME Type	image/avif	image/x-raw
Extensions	.avif	.raw
Animation	✓	✗
Hdr	✓	✓
Lossless	✓	✓
Lossy	✓	✗
Max Color Depth	12-bit	14-bit
Transparency	✓	✗

Pros & Cons

AVIF

Pros

✓ Best compression for images
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ HDR and wide color gamut

Cons

✗ Slow encoding
✗ Limited editor support
✗ Newer format with growing adoption

RAW Image

Pros

✓ Full sensor data preserved
✓ Maximum editing flexibility
✓ High dynamic range

Cons

✗ Very large files
✗ Ambiguous format
✗ Software support varies

When to Use Each

Choose AVIF when...

You need files optimized for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio
Best compression for images
Supports lossy and lossless
You need lossless quality

Choose RAW Image when...

You need files optimized for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers
Full sensor data preserved
Maximum editing flexibility
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between AVIF and RAW Image for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert RAW Image to AVIF Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVIF and RAW Image?

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio, while RAW Image is best for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AVIF or RAW Image better for image?

It depends on your use case. AVIF is better for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. RAW Image is better for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVIF to RAW Image?

Direct conversion from AVIF to RAW Image is not currently available on ChangeThisFile. You may need to use an intermediate format.

Can I convert RAW Image to AVIF?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports RAW Image to AVIF conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.

Which is smaller, AVIF or RAW Image?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. AVIF uses lossy compression for smaller files. RAW Image preserves full quality. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does AVIF support animation?

Yes, AVIF supports animation, but RAW Image does not. This may be important depending on your use case.

Is AVIF or RAW Image free to use?

Both AVIF and RAW Image are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.

Which format is newer, AVIF or RAW Image?

AVIF is newer — it was introduced in 2019, while RAW Image dates back to 2000. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.