Convert DNG to AVIF on Mac
Select the DNG files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose AVIF and press Return. FileFlip saves each AVIF next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert DNG to AVIF with FileFlip
Select the DNG files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from DNG. Type “AVIF” to jump to it.
Choose AVIF and press Return
The AVIF files appear next to the originals. To make them smaller first, press ⇥ and lower the quality or size.
DNG and AVIF
Raw files are large and most apps and websites can’t show them, so they have to be developed into a regular image before sharing. AVIF makes some of the smallest image files available, which is ideal for websites.
What changes when you convert
- AVIF can store the image either lossy or lossless.
- A raw file is unprocessed sensor data. Converting develops it into a finished image, so keep the DNG if you may want to edit it later.
| Property | DNG | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Digital Negative | AV1 Image File Format |
| Made by | Adobe | Alliance for Open Media |
| Introduced | 2004 | 2019 |
| Compression | Unprocessed sensor data, lossless or lightly compressed | Lossy or lossless (AV1) |
| Best for | Editing photos with the most room for adjustments | Small, high-quality images on the web |
| Opens in | Lightroom, Photoshop, Photos, Preview and most raw editors | Current versions of Chrome, Firefox and Safari; macOS 13 and later; many apps can’t open it yet |
| File extension | .dng | .avif |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Terminal
The sips command converts images in place or into a new file.
sips -s format avif DSC_0001.dng \
--out DSC_0001.avifBuilt into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.
Questions about DNG and AVIF
Does converting DNG to AVIF lose quality?
AVIF can store the image either lossy or lossless.
Can I convert many DNG files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose AVIF. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Should I keep the DNG file?
Yes. The raw file holds more information than any finished image, so keep it if you may want to edit the photo again.
Where is the AVIF file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .avif extension. The DNG file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert AVIF back to DNG?
No. FileFlip opens DNG files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a whole shoot at once
FileFlip also handles video, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac