Does Photoshop support AVIF natively?

No. Adobe Photoshop does not open or save AVIF files out of the box, even on the latest 2026 releases. WebP support was added earlier, but AVIF was not.

Is there an official Adobe AVIF plugin?

No official Adobe AVIF plugin exists. A few community plugins are available but they are not maintained for every Photoshop version.

What is the most reliable way to edit an AVIF file in Photoshop?

Convert the AVIF to PNG first, then open the PNG in Photoshop. PNG keeps transparency and is supported by every Photoshop version without setup.

Should I convert AVIF to PNG or JPG for Photoshop?

Use PNG when transparency, screenshots, or UI assets matter. Use JPG only for photographic content where smaller file size matters more than the alpha channel.

Will the image look the same after converting AVIF to PNG?

Yes. PNG is a lossless format, so the visible content of the AVIF is preserved. The PNG file will usually be larger because PNG does not compress as aggressively as AVIF.

Can I save an AVIF file from Photoshop?

Not directly. Export your work as PNG or JPG from Photoshop, then convert that result to AVIF if your delivery target requires AVIF.

AVIF to PNG

How to Open and Edit AVIF Files in Photoshop

Photoshop does not open AVIF files natively. The fastest reliable workflow is to convert the AVIF to PNG or JPG first, then open the result in Photoshop without plugins.

Convert AVIF to PNG Read What AVIF Is

PNG keeps transparency and is the safer choice for screenshots, UI assets, and layered editing. Use JPG only when the source is a photo and file size matters more than alpha.

AVIF to PNG conversion workflow for Adobe Photoshop illustration

Why Photoshop Users Run Into AVIF Issues

Adobe Photoshop added native WebP support but still ships without AVIF support out of the box. Most workflow problems come from the same four causes.

Photoshop has no built-in AVIF importer

Open, Place, and drag-and-drop all reject .avif files. Photoshop reports the file as not supported, even on the latest releases.

Third-party AVIF plugins are unreliable

Community plugins exist but break across Photoshop versions and operating systems. Most teams cannot rely on them in production.

Pixel and Android screenshots arrive as AVIF

Modern phones save photos and screenshots as AVIF. When you AirDrop or sync them to a desktop, Photoshop refuses to open them directly.

Conversion is faster than fighting the toolchain

Converting AVIF to PNG locally takes seconds, keeps the file private, and produces a layer Photoshop can edit without setup.

Why Convert-First Is the Recommended Photoshop Workflow

The point is not to force AVIF into Photoshop. The point is to land at a file Photoshop can open, edit, and re-export without surprises.

Works on every Photoshop version

Convert AVIF to PNG once and the result opens in Photoshop CS6, CC, and 2026 alike. No plugin install, no version drift.

Keeps transparency for design work

PNG preserves the alpha channel, so UI mockups, logos, and screenshots with rounded corners stay clean inside Photoshop.

Local conversion keeps the file private

Browser-based conversion never uploads the image, which matters for client work, internal screenshots, and unreleased designs.

AVIF and Photoshop FAQ

Short answers to the most common Photoshop AVIF support questions.

Open Your AVIF in Photoshop in Seconds

Convert the AVIF to PNG locally in your browser, then drop the PNG straight into Photoshop. No plugin, no upload, no signup.

Convert AVIF to PNG

Last updated: May 2, 2026 · Maintained by AVIF to PNG Editorial Team · v1.0