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 3. AV1 Image File Format Specification Gets an Upgrade with AVIF
    v1.2.0

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AV1 Image File Format Specification Gets an Upgrade with AVIF v1.2.0

December 9, 2025 | 1 minute read

AVIF v1.2.0 includes support for sample transforms

By Yannis Guyon, Leo Barnes, and Wan-Teh Chang

The Future of Inovation is Open: AV1 The files encoded with a bit
depth extension relying on Sample Transforms are backward-compatible
in the sense that they can be decoded for up to 12-bit precision by
legacy implementations. They can also deliver the full 16-bit
precision (or more!) with newer software.

AOMedia's Storage and Transport Format Working Group has released
AVIF v1.2.0, a new revision of the AV1 Image File Format
specification. The work is part of AOMedia's broader effort to
advance high-quality still image storage and ensure consistent
mapping between codecs and container formats. The latest
specification refines the format and introduces functional
enhancements, most notably, support for sample transforms.

Key Features and Innovations

The addition of sample transforms makes it possible to use higher bit
depths, even when the underlying codec does not natively support
16-bit or greater precision. This enhancement empowers creators to
achieve superior image quality and greater flexibility in
high-fidelity imaging workflows.

To try sample transforms, clone and build libavif, then use a command
such as:

build/avifenc input_16bit.png --depth 12,8 output.avif

This produces an AVIF file that preserves the top 12 bits for
compatibility, with the full 16-bit image retrievable during decoding

As an example, encoding the image [1] with avifenc --depth 12,8
--lossless --speed 0 leads to 10% file size savings over the source
16-bit PNG, with absolutely no quality loss. The encoded AVIF is also
backward compatible for 12 bits out of 16 with legacy AVIF decoders.
(Results may vary depending on settings.)

image [1] [1]

The release also strengthens conformance, clarifies the mapping
between AV1 bitstream metadata and file-level signaling, and updates
references and requirements to align with the latest HEIF, ISOBMFF,
and MIAF specifications. Editorial Improvements include a new list of
required boxes for AVIF files to help developers generate
standard-compliant files.

Additionally, the new specification includes guidance on gain maps
--tone map derived image items, which are a method for encoding AVIF
HDR images that are backward compatible with SDR displays.

Ready to get started?

Review the AVIF v1.2.0 specification and try out sample transforms
using the latest libavif implementation on GitHub. We welcome
feedback and contributions--share your experience or questions in the
libavif GitHub repository and help shape the future of open image
formats with AOMedia.

Categories: Blog Posts

Updated: December 9, 2025

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