Convert TIFF to AVIF on Mac

Select the TIFF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose AVIF and press Return. FileFlip saves each AVIF next to its original and works without an internet connection.

Coming soon for MacComing soon · macOS 14 Sonoma or later
Example: IMG_4021.HEIC selected in Finder with FileFlip open next to it, suggesting JPEG, PNG and AVIF, with TIFF, PDF, GIF and ICNS under Other formats.

How to convert TIFF to AVIF with FileFlip

  1. Select the TIFF files

    In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.

  2. Press ⌥ F

    FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from TIFF. Type “AVIF” to jump to it.

  3. 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.

TIFF and AVIF

TIFF files are very large and web browsers and many apps won’t show them. 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.
TIFF compared with AVIF
PropertyTIFFAVIF
Full nameTagged Image File FormatAV1 Image File Format
Made byAldus, now AdobeAlliance for Open Media
Introduced19862019
CompressionUsually lossless or uncompressedLossy or lossless (AV1)
TransparencyYesYes
Best forPrinting, scanning and archivingSmall, high-quality images on the web
Opens inPreview, Photoshop and most image editors; most web browsers don’t display itCurrent versions of Chrome, Firefox and Safari; macOS 13 and later; many apps can’t open it yet
File extension.tiff, .tif.avif
In FileFlipOpens and savesOpens 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 scan.tiff \
  --out scan.avif

Built into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.

Questions about TIFF and AVIF

Does converting TIFF to AVIF lose quality?

AVIF can store the image either lossy or lossless.

Can I convert many TIFF 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.

Where is the AVIF file saved?

Next to the original, with the same name and the .avif extension. The TIFF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.

Can I convert AVIF back to TIFF?

Yes, FileFlip converts AVIF to TIFF as well.

Are my files uploaded anywhere?

No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.

Convert a whole folder of images at once

FileFlip also handles video, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.

Coming soon for Mac