AVIF → PNG Best Practices: Keep Transparency, Color, and Clarity

This page is for people who want a clean, reliable conversion—without surprises.

When you should convert AVIF to PNG

• You need transparency (logos, stickers, overlays for slides/video).
• You need broad compatibility (some apps still struggle with AVIF).
• You plan to keep editing (PNG is predictable and non-lossy).

Before you start: decide the target

• Use case: web, print, or social?
• Pixel size: keep the original pixels when possible; avoid upscaling.
• Transparency: if the image has transparent areas, export PNG-24 (with alpha).
  If there's no transparency and you need a smaller file, PNG-8 is optional (fewer colors).

Clean transparent edges (no grey fringe)

• Don't flatten to white: ensure the exporter keeps transparency.
• Edge check: preview the PNG on dark and light backgrounds.
  A slight soft edge can be normal for anti-aliased graphics and usually looks fine on the target background.
• For pixel-sharp logos/icons: use vector sources (SVG/AI) when available, then export to PNG.

Color that matches the original

• Work in sRGB: most browsers and many apps assume sRGB.
• Compare fairly: view before/after on the same device and app.
  If it still looks off, convert the source to sRGB, then export PNG.
• Different apps render differently: judge with the final platform in mind (website, slide, editor).

Clarity vs. file size

• Avoid upscaling: enlarging pixels usually looks blurry.
• Trim pixels, not quality: reducing pixel dimensions is safer than over-compressing.
• Text/line art: keep sharpening minimal; preserve the original crispness.

Orientation and metadata

Some cameras store EXIF orientation.
If the PNG looks rotated, rotate it once and save—quality won't change.

Batch and filenames (optional)

• Use a clear naming rule: original-purpose-v1.png.
• Keep a separate "work" folder so drafts don't mix with final assets.

Quick checklist

• [ ] I chose the use case (web/print/social).
• [ ] I'm keeping original pixel size (no unnecessary upscaling).
• [ ] Transparency needed → PNG-24; otherwise PNG-8 is optional.
• [ ] Colors look right on the target platform; sRGB if needed.
• [ ] Orientation is correct.
• [ ] Filenames are clear and reusable.

FAQ

Q: Transparency turned white—why?
A: It was exported without alpha. Re-export as PNG-24 with transparency.

Q: Colors look dull or grey.
A: Compare in the same app. If still off, convert the source to sRGB first, then export PNG.

Q: The file is large.
A: Prefer smaller pixel dimensions over heavy compression. Consider PNG-8 only if colors still look acceptable.

Q: The image looks soft.
A: Check if you upscaled. Use the original size or a higher-resolution source.