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How to Batch Convert AVIF to PNG: Ultimate Guide (2025)

12 min read
By AVIF2PNG Team
Batch file processing and automation workflow for converting AVIF images to PNG format

Step-by-step tutorial for batch converting hundreds of AVIF images to PNG format using online tools, desktop apps, and automated scripts.

Introduction to Batch AVIF to PNG Conversion

If you're working with dozens or hundreds of AVIF images, converting them one by one is impractical, time-consuming, and inefficient. Batch conversion saves hours of work, ensures consistent results across all your images, and streamlines your workflow whether you're managing a photo archive, preparing assets for a web project, or converting images for client delivery.

This comprehensive guide covers every method for batch converting AVIF to PNG in 2025, from simple browser-based tools to advanced command-line automation. Whether you're a designer, developer, photographer, or content manager, you'll find the perfect solution for your batch conversion needs.

Why Batch Convert AVIF to PNG?

Common Scenarios Requiring Batch Conversion

Understanding when and why you need batch conversion helps you choose the right approach:

  • Website migration: Converting an entire image library when moving from AVIF-optimized delivery to universal PNG compatibility
  • Client deliverables: Providing images in universally compatible PNG format when clients may use diverse software
  • Software compatibility: Preparing images for applications or workflows that don't support AVIF
  • Archive management: Converting AVIF images to PNG for long-term archival storage
  • Email campaigns: Converting marketing assets for email compatibility (email clients don't support AVIF)
  • Print preparation: Converting digital assets to lossless PNG for print production
  • Legacy system support: Ensuring compatibility with older platforms and devices
  • Cross-platform collaboration: Sharing images with teams using diverse tools and systems

Time and Efficiency Savings

Consider the mathematics of batch conversion:

  • Manual conversion: 30-60 seconds per file (selecting, converting, saving, organizing)
  • 100 images manually: 50-100 minutes of repetitive work
  • Batch conversion: 2-5 minutes total (selecting files, processing, downloading)
  • Time saved: 45-95 minutes per 100 images

For professional workflows processing hundreds or thousands of images monthly, batch conversion tools are essential for productivity and cost-efficiency.

Method 1: Online Batch Conversion (Recommended for Most Users)

Using AVIF2PNG.app - Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Our free online tool supports unlimited batch conversion directly in your browser using client-side processing for maximum privacy and security:

Step 1: Navigate and Prepare

  1. Visit AVIF2PNG.app in any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
  2. Organize your files: Before uploading, organize your AVIF files in a single folder for easy selection
  3. Check browser compatibility: Ensure you're using an up-to-date browser for optimal performance

Step 2: Upload Multiple Files

There are three ways to upload multiple files for batch conversion:

  • Drag and drop: Select all AVIF files in your file manager and drag them directly onto the upload area
  • Click to browse: Click the upload area, hold Ctrl (Windows/Linux) or Cmd (Mac) to select multiple files
  • Folder selection: Some browsers allow selecting entire folders (Chrome supports this feature)

Pro Tip: You can upload files in batches if you have hundreds of images. Process 50-100 at a time for optimal browser performance.

Step 3: Monitor Conversion Progress

Once uploaded, you'll see:

  • Individual file progress: Each file shows conversion status (queued, processing, completed)
  • Overall progress indicator: Total completion percentage across all files
  • Preview thumbnails: Visual confirmation of converted images
  • File size comparison: See original vs. converted file sizes

Step 4: Download Converted Files

After conversion completes, you have multiple download options:

  • Download individually: Click the download button on each file (useful for selective downloads)
  • Download All as ZIP: Single-click download of all converted images in a compressed archive
  • Download selected files: Check specific files and download only those you need

Advantages of Online Batch Conversion

Advantage Benefit
No installation required Start converting immediately without downloading software
Works on any device Mac, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, even mobile devices
Privacy protected Files never leave your device - all processing happens in browser
No file limits Convert unlimited files with no restrictions
Free forever No subscriptions, no hidden fees, no account required
Always up-to-date No software updates needed - always latest version
Cross-platform Same experience across all operating systems

Performance Tips for Large Batches

  • Close unnecessary tabs: Free up browser memory for faster processing
  • Process in chunks: For 500+ images, process 100 at a time to prevent browser slowdowns
  • Use a modern browser: Chrome and Edge offer the best performance for client-side image processing
  • Ensure stable internet: While processing is local, downloading the ZIP requires good connectivity
  • Disable browser extensions: Ad blockers and privacy extensions can sometimes interfere with downloads

Method 2: Desktop Software for Batch Conversion

For users who prefer desktop applications or need offline conversion capabilities, several excellent options exist:

Option 1: XnConvert (Free, Cross-Platform)

Best for: Power users who need advanced batch processing with custom settings

Features:

  • Free for personal and commercial use
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports 500+ image formats including AVIF and PNG
  • Advanced batch processing with filters and transformations
  • Preserve folder structure during conversion
  • Add watermarks, resize, rotate, and apply filters during conversion

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Download and install: Visit XnConvert website and download for your operating system
  2. Add files: Drag and drop AVIF files or use "Add Files" button
  3. Configure output: Go to "Output" tab, select PNG as format
  4. Set destination: Choose output folder (or use "same as source")
  5. Optional adjustments: Use "Actions" tab to resize, crop, or adjust images
  6. Convert: Click "Convert" button to process all files
  7. Verify results: Check output folder for converted PNG files

Option 2: IrfanView (Free, Windows Only)

Best for: Windows users seeking a lightweight, fast batch converter

Features:

  • Extremely fast batch conversion
  • Lightweight and resource-efficient
  • Free for non-commercial use
  • Supports AVIF with plugin installation
  • Batch rename capabilities

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Install IrfanView: Download from official website
  2. Install AVIF plugin: Download and install the AVIF plugin package
  3. Launch batch conversion: Press 'B' or go to File > Batch Conversion/Rename
  4. Select files: Browse to folder containing AVIF files, select all
  5. Choose output format: Select PNG from "Output format" dropdown
  6. Set output directory: Choose where to save converted files
  7. Start batch process: Click "Start Batch" button

Option 3: Adobe Photoshop (Paid, Professional)

Best for: Professional designers who already use Adobe Creative Suite

Using Image Processor Script:

  1. Open Photoshop: Launch Adobe Photoshop
  2. Access Image Processor: File > Scripts > Image Processor
  3. Select source folder: Choose folder containing AVIF files
  4. Choose destination: Select output folder
  5. Configure PNG settings: Check "Save as PNG" option
  6. Run script: Click "Run" to process all images

Note: Photoshop requires AVIF plugin for reading AVIF files. Convert AVIF to PNG using our online tool first if you don't have the plugin.

Method 3: Command-Line Tools for Developers

For developers, system administrators, and power users comfortable with terminal commands, command-line tools offer maximum automation and integration capabilities:

Using ImageMagick (Cross-Platform, Free)

Best for: Developers automating image workflows and integrating batch conversion into scripts

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install imagemagick

# Ubuntu/Debian Linux
sudo apt-get install imagemagick

# Windows (using Chocolatey)
choco install imagemagick

Basic Batch Conversion:

# Convert all AVIF files in current directory to PNG
magick mogrify -format png *.avif

# Convert with specific output directory
magick mogrify -path ./output -format png *.avif

# Convert with quality settings
magick mogrify -format png -quality 100 *.avif

Advanced Examples:

# Convert and resize to 1920px width (maintaining aspect ratio)
magick mogrify -path ./output -format png -resize 1920x *.avif

# Convert all AVIF files in subdirectories
find . -name "*.avif" -exec magick convert {} {}.png \;

# Batch convert with custom naming
for file in *.avif; do
  magick convert "$file" "${file%.avif}_converted.png"
done

Using Sharp (Node.js, for JavaScript Developers)

Best for: JavaScript/Node.js developers building automated workflows

Installation:

npm install sharp

Batch Conversion Script:

const sharp = require('sharp');
const fs = require('fs').promises;
const path = require('path');

async function batchConvert(inputDir, outputDir) {
  // Read all files in input directory
  const files = await fs.readdir(inputDir);

  // Filter for AVIF files
  const avifFiles = files.filter(f =>
    f.toLowerCase().endsWith('.avif')
  );

  // Convert each file
  for (const file of avifFiles) {
    const inputPath = path.join(inputDir, file);
    const outputPath = path.join(
      outputDir,
      file.replace('.avif', '.png')
    );

    await sharp(inputPath)
      .png({ compressionLevel: 9 })
      .toFile(outputPath);

    console.log(`Converted: ${file}`);
  }

  console.log(`Batch conversion complete! ${avifFiles.length} files converted.`);
}

// Usage
batchConvert('./input', './output');

Advanced Script with Progress Tracking:

const sharp = require('sharp');
const fs = require('fs').promises;
const path = require('path');

async function advancedBatchConvert(inputDir, outputDir, options = {}) {
  const files = await fs.readdir(inputDir);
  const avifFiles = files.filter(f => f.toLowerCase().endsWith('.avif'));

  let completed = 0;
  const total = avifFiles.length;

  // Process in parallel (5 at a time for performance)
  const batchSize = 5;
  for (let i = 0; i < avifFiles.length; i += batchSize) {
    const batch = avifFiles.slice(i, i + batchSize);

    await Promise.all(batch.map(async (file) => {
      const inputPath = path.join(inputDir, file);
      const outputPath = path.join(outputDir, file.replace('.avif', '.png'));

      try {
        await sharp(inputPath)
          .png({
            compressionLevel: options.compression || 9,
            quality: options.quality || 100
          })
          .toFile(outputPath);

        completed++;
        console.log(`Progress: ${completed}/${total} (${Math.round(completed/total*100)}%)`);
      } catch (error) {
        console.error(`Error converting ${file}:`, error.message);
      }
    }));
  }

  console.log('Batch conversion complete!');
}

// Usage with options
advancedBatchConvert('./input', './output', {
  compression: 9,
  quality: 100
});

Using FFmpeg (Advanced, Cross-Platform)

While primarily a video tool, FFmpeg also handles image batch conversion excellently:

# Convert all AVIF files to PNG
for file in *.avif; do
  ffmpeg -i "$file" "${file%.avif}.png"
done

# With specific encoding settings
for file in *.avif; do
  ffmpeg -i "$file" -compression_level 9 "${file%.avif}.png"
done

Method 4: Automated Cloud Solutions

Using Cloudinary (Automated, API-Based)

For enterprise workflows requiring automated format conversion at scale:

// Cloudinary automatically converts formats via URL parameters
// Original AVIF URL:
https://res.cloudinary.com/demo/image/upload/sample.avif

// Auto-convert to PNG by changing extension:
https://res.cloudinary.com/demo/image/upload/sample.png

// Bulk conversion via API
const cloudinary = require('cloudinary').v2;

async function bulkConvert(publicIds) {
  for (const id of publicIds) {
    await cloudinary.uploader.explicit(id, {
      type: 'upload',
      format: 'png'
    });
  }
}

Comparison of Batch Conversion Methods

Method Best For Difficulty Speed Cost
AVIF2PNG.app (Online) Most users, quick jobs Very Easy Fast Free
XnConvert Power users, offline work Easy Very Fast Free
IrfanView Windows users Easy Very Fast Free
ImageMagick CLI Developers, automation Moderate Very Fast Free
Sharp (Node.js) JavaScript developers Moderate Very Fast Free
Adobe Photoshop Professional designers Easy Moderate $$$
Cloudinary Enterprise, automation Hard Very Fast $$ (usage-based)

Best Practices for Batch Conversion

1. Organize Files Before Converting

Proper organization prevents confusion and saves time:

  • Create clear folder structure: input/, output/, backup/
  • Group by category: Separate product photos, marketing images, etc.
  • Use descriptive names: Rename files before conversion if needed
  • Document your structure: Note folder purposes for future reference

2. Always Test First

Before processing hundreds of files:

  • Convert 5-10 sample files first
  • Verify quality: Check converted images at 100% zoom
  • Confirm file sizes: Ensure PNG files aren't excessively large
  • Test in target application: Verify files work in intended software
  • Adjust settings if needed: Fine-tune compression or quality settings

3. Maintain Folder Structure

Preserve organization during conversion:

  • Keep originals separate: Never overwrite source AVIF files
  • Mirror directory structure: Maintain same folder hierarchy in output
  • Use consistent naming: Apply same naming convention across all files
  • Add suffix/prefix if needed: Example: original.avif → original_png.png

4. Quality Control Checks

After batch conversion:

  • Verify file count: Ensure all files were converted (input count = output count)
  • Spot-check random samples: Open 10-20 random files to verify quality
  • Check file sizes: Flag any unusually large or small files
  • Test functionality: Import samples into target applications
  • Compare metadata: Ensure important metadata was preserved if needed

5. Backup Strategy

Protect your images during batch operations:

  • Keep original AVIF files: Don't delete until conversion verified
  • Create backup before bulk operations: Copy originals to separate location
  • Use version control: For important projects, version converted files
  • Cloud backup: Upload originals to cloud storage before major conversions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Deleting Originals Immediately

Problem: If conversion fails or quality issues arise, you've lost your source files.

Solution: Keep original AVIF files for at least 30 days after conversion. Only delete once you've verified all conversions were successful and the PNG files work in all intended applications.

Mistake 2: Not Checking Disk Space

Problem: PNG files are significantly larger than AVIF. Batch converting 1000 AVIF files (100MB total) might result in 2-3GB of PNG files.

Solution: Before converting, calculate approximate output size (multiply AVIF size by 10-20x) and ensure adequate disk space.

Mistake 3: Converting Without Testing Settings

Problem: Processing 500 files with wrong settings wastes hours.

Solution: Always test on 5-10 sample files first, verify quality and settings, then proceed with full batch.

Mistake 4: Overwriting Source Files

Problem: Configuring output to same folder as input can accidentally overwrite originals.

Solution: Always output to a separate folder. Never use "same as source" unless you're certain about your settings.

Mistake 5: Ignoring File Naming Conflicts

Problem: Multiple AVIF files with same name in different folders can overwrite each other if output to single folder.

Solution: Preserve folder structure or add unique prefixes/suffixes to prevent naming conflicts.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Automation with Watch Folders

Set up automated conversion when files are added to a folder:

# macOS/Linux using fswatch and ImageMagick
fswatch -o ~/input_folder | xargs -n1 -I{} sh -c 'magick mogrify -path ~/output_folder -format png ~/input_folder/*.avif'

# Windows using PowerShell
$watcher = New-Object System.IO.FileSystemWatcher
$watcher.Path = "C:\input_folder"
$watcher.Filter = "*.avif"
$watcher.EnableRaisingEvents = $true

Register-ObjectEvent $watcher "Created" -Action {
  $path = $Event.SourceEventArgs.FullPath
  magick convert $path "$path.png"
}

Parallel Processing for Speed

Use GNU Parallel to convert multiple files simultaneously:

# Install GNU Parallel
brew install parallel  # macOS
sudo apt-get install parallel  # Linux

# Convert files in parallel (uses all CPU cores)
parallel magick convert {} {.}.png ::: *.avif

# Limit to 4 parallel jobs
parallel -j 4 magick convert {} {.}.png ::: *.avif

Scheduling Batch Conversions

Schedule conversions during off-hours using cron (Linux/Mac) or Task Scheduler (Windows):

# Cron job to convert files daily at 2 AM
0 2 * * * cd /path/to/images && magick mogrify -format png *.avif

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: "Out of Memory" Errors

Cause: Converting very large images or too many files simultaneously.

Solutions:

  • Process files in smaller batches (50-100 at a time)
  • Close other applications to free up RAM
  • Use command-line tools which are more memory-efficient than GUI apps
  • Resize images during conversion if full resolution isn't needed

Issue: Converted Files Much Larger Than Expected

Cause: PNG is lossless and can be 10-20x larger than AVIF.

Solutions:

  • This is normal - PNG preserves all quality without compression artifacts
  • Use PNG compression level 9 for smallest lossless files
  • Consider if you really need PNG - maybe WebP or JPEG would work
  • Use PNG optimization tools like pngquant or OptiPNG after conversion

Issue: Some Files Fail to Convert

Cause: Corrupted AVIF files, unsupported AVIF variants, or permission issues.

Solutions:

  • Try opening failed files individually to identify issues
  • Update your conversion software to latest version
  • Check file permissions (read/write access)
  • Try a different conversion tool
  • Re-download or re-export problematic source files

Frequently Asked Questions

How many AVIF files can I convert at once?

With AVIF2PNG.app, there's no hard limit, but for optimal performance we recommend batches of 100-200 files. Desktop software like XnConvert can handle thousands simultaneously. Command-line tools are limited only by system resources.

Will batch conversion preserve image quality?

Yes, converting from AVIF to PNG preserves the quality present in the AVIF file. If the AVIF was created with lossy compression, the PNG will maintain that quality level. PNG itself is lossless, so no additional quality loss occurs during conversion.

Can I preserve EXIF metadata during batch conversion?

Most tools preserve EXIF metadata by default. With ImageMagick, metadata is preserved automatically. In AVIF2PNG.app, basic metadata is preserved. For critical metadata preservation, test a few files first to verify.

How long does batch conversion take?

Conversion speed depends on file count, file size, and hardware. Approximate times:

  • 100 files (2MB each): 2-5 minutes on modern hardware
  • 1000 files: 15-30 minutes
  • Processing speed: ~10-30 files per minute on average systems

Is batch conversion free?

Yes! AVIF2PNG.app is completely free with unlimited conversions. Open-source tools like ImageMagick and XnConvert are also free. Only commercial software like Adobe Photoshop requires payment.

Conclusion

Batch converting AVIF to PNG doesn't have to be complicated. For most users, our free online batch converter at AVIF2PNG.app offers the perfect balance of ease-of-use, privacy, and unlimited capacity. Simply drag and drop your files, convert, and download - all without installing any software.

For developers and power users, command-line tools like ImageMagick and Sharp provide maximum automation and integration capabilities. Desktop applications like XnConvert offer offline processing with advanced features.

Regardless of which method you choose, following the best practices outlined in this guide ensures smooth, efficient batch conversion with consistent results. Always test with sample files first, maintain backups of originals, and verify conversion quality before deleting source files.

Ready to batch convert your AVIF images? Visit AVIF2PNG.app now and convert hundreds of files in minutes - completely free, private, and unlimited.

Related Topics

batch conversionavifpngtutorialautomation

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