Convert HEIC to AVIF on Mac
Convert HEIC files to AVIF format on your Mac with Jollycat. Apple's default photo format using HEVC compression. 50% smaller than JPEG at similar quality but limited compatibility outside Apple. All processing runs locally on your Mac — no cloud processing and no uploads required for conversion.
HEIC vs AVIF
| Property | HEIC | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Type | lossy | both |
| Compression | HEVC-based lossy | AV1-based lossy/lossless |
| Transparency | No | Yes |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Bit Depth | 8/10-bit | 8/10/12-bit |
| File Extension | .heic | .avif |
| Key Advantage | 50% smaller than JPEG | Best compression ratio available |
How to Convert HEIC to AVIF on Mac
Open your HEIC file
Drag and drop your .heic file onto the Jollycat icon in your macOS dock or menu bar. Jollycat instantly detects the format.
Select AVIF format
Pick AVIF from the list of output formats. Optionally adjust quality, resolution, or compression settings.
Convert and save
Click Convert and Jollycat processes the file instantly on your Mac. No uploads required, no waiting — everything runs locally on Apple Silicon.
When to Convert HEIC to AVIF
AVIF advantages
Best compression ratio available. HDR and wide color gamut.
HEIC limitations
Limited non-Apple compatibility. Cannot be viewed on many websites.
Common use cases
Next-gen web images, HDR photography, Bandwidth optimization.
HEIC to AVIF Conversion Tips
AVIF supports transparency. If your source image has a solid background, you can remove it with an image editor before converting.
AVIF uses AV1 intra-frame coding, typically 20% smaller than WebP and 50% smaller than JPEG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HEIC to AVIF conversion free?
Jollycat is a one-time purchase for $9.99. Once purchased, you can convert HEIC to AVIF and use all 1,650+ conversion paths with no limits.
Does converting HEIC to AVIF require an internet connection?
No. Jollycat processes everything locally on your Mac. Your HEIC files never leave your device — all conversion happens offline using Apple Silicon.
Can I batch convert multiple HEIC files to AVIF?
Yes. Drag multiple HEIC files onto Jollycat and convert them all to AVIF at once. Batch processing is built in.
Ready to Convert HEIC to AVIF?
Jollycat handles HEIC to AVIF conversion and 1,650+ other format conversions. All offline on your Mac.
Get Jollycat for Mac