How to Convert JPG to AVIF Using Python

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a modern, highly efficient image format that offers superior compression compared to traditional formats like JPG or PNG. If you're looking to convert your JPG images to AVIF using Python, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Why Convert JPG to AVIF?

AVIF provides several advantages over JPG:

Better Compression: AVIF files are significantly smaller while maintaining high quality.
Support for Transparency & HDR: Unlike JPG, AVIF supports alpha transparency and high dynamic range (HDR).
Future-Proof: AVIF is based on the AV1 video codec, making it a great choice for web and mobile applications.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following installed:

Python 3.6+ – Download from Python's official website.
Pillow (PIL Fork) – A widely used Python imaging library.
PyAV – A Python binding for FFmpeg, which supports AVIF encoding.

Installing Required Libraries

Run the following commands in your terminal or command prompt:

pip install pillow
pip install av

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Load the JPG Image

First, we'll use Pillow to open the JPG file:

from PIL import Image

# Open the JPG image
image = Image.open("input.jpg")

Step 2: Convert to AVIF Using PyAV

Next, we'll use PyAV to encode the image in AVIF format:

import av

# Save as AVIF
with av.open("output.avif", "w") as container:
    stream = container.add_stream("av1", rate=1)  # AV1 codec
    frame = av.VideoFrame.from_image(image)
    for packet in stream.encode(frame):
        container.mux(packet)

Step 3: Verify the Output

Check the generated output.avif file to ensure the conversion was successful.

Alternative Method: Using Pillow (Experimental)

If you're using a newer version of Pillow (v9.0+), you can try the built-in AVIF support:

image.save("output.avif", format="AVIF", quality=80)

Note: This feature is still experimental and may not work on all systems.

Conclusion

Converting JPG to AVIF in Python is straightforward with libraries like PyAV and Pillow. AVIF’s superior compression makes it an excellent choice for web optimisation and modern applications.

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