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HDR to AVIF — Format Comparison & Online Converter

Fast, instant HDR to AVIF conversion. No signup required. Just drop your .hdr file and get .avif in seconds.

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Color depth reduction: 32-bit → 12-bit

HDR stores up to 32 bits per channel, but AVIF supports only 12 bits. You may notice banding in smooth gradients (like sky or skin tones) where subtle color transitions are lost.

L'image numérique est en constante évolution, et avec elle, les exigences en matière de qualité et d'efficacité. Le format HDR (High Dynamic Range) offre une richesse de détails et une profondeur de couleurs inégalées, capturant la lumière de manière spectaculaire. Cependant, sa taille de fichier peut parfois représenter un défi, notamment pour le partage et l'intégration web. C'est là qu'intervient l'AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) : ce format de nouvelle génération combine une compression exceptionnelle avec une qualité visuelle remarquable, le rendant idéal pour diffuser des images HDR sans compromettre la fidélité. Passer du HDR à l'AVIF, c'est choisir l'équilibre parfait entre performance visuelle et optimisation des ressources. Notre outil vous permet d'effectuer cette conversion avec une simplicité et une rapidité déconcertantes, ouvrant la voie à une meilleure accessibilité de vos contenus visuels de haute qualité.

  • Archivage de documents administratifs haute résolution (ex: cadastre numérisé)
  • Publication académique d'imageries scientifiques (ex: microscopie, astronomie)
  • Portfolios de design graphique et d'architecture en ligne

Au Québec, l'adoption progressive de l'AVIF est observée dans les institutions publiques pour la diffusion d'images patrimoniales numérisées, en raison de son efficacité en bande passante. En France, l'industrie du design et de l'édition est particulièrement attentive à cette conversion pour optimiser les temps de chargement des sites web et des applications.

About HDR to AVIF Conversion

HDR (introduced 1985) and AVIF (introduced 2019) are both image formats, but they differ in important ways. HDR (Radiance) is a high-dynamic-range image format used in lighting and rendering. AVIF is the newest image format based on AV1 video codec, delivering exceptional compression — up to 50% smaller than JPEG at the same quality.

Full Name: HDR uses Radiance HDR Image, while AVIF uses AV1 Image File Format. Compression: HDR uses Lossless, while AVIF uses Lossy & Lossless. Transparency: HDR uses No, while AVIF uses Yes.

When you convert HDR to AVIF, the goal is to optimize files for fast web delivery. Converting HDR to AVIF maintains high quality with CocoConvert's optimised encoder settings. Understanding these technical differences helps you choose the right format for your workflow.

Your HDR file is decoded and re-encoded as AVIF. The conversion involves 4 steps: (1) your hdr file is uploaded and the format is validated, (2) the file content is decoded into its raw representation, (3) the data is re-encoded in avif format with optimal settings, (4) the converted file is ready for download.

CocoConvert's converter handles the entire pipeline server-side using FFmpeg, Sharp, and qpdf — battle-tested libraries used by streaming platforms and enterprise tools. Files are encrypted in transit and deleted within 24 hours.

This conversion is ideal when you You need a file that works in web browsers. For the opposite direction, CocoConvert also supports AVIF to HDR conversion.

How to Convert HDR to AVIF

  1. 1

    Upload .hdr file

    Select your HDR file by dragging it to the upload zone or using the file picker. Batch upload is available for multiple files.

  2. 2

    Choose .avif

    Set AVIF as the output format. The converter uses optimal settings based on the HDR→AVIF conversion profile.

  3. 3

    Convert

    The server-side engine decodes your HDR file and re-encodes it as AVIF. Processing time depends on file size and complexity.

  4. 4

    Download result

    Grab your converted .avif file. Multiple output files can be downloaded together.

What Happens When You Convert HDR to AVIF

Your HDR image is decoded into raw pixel data, then re-encoded as AVIF.

1

Your HDR file is decoded — the compressed/stored pixel data is expanded into raw RGB pixels

2

Pixels are re-encoded using AV1 Image File Format's lossless compression

3

Metadata (EXIF, ICC profiles) is transferred where AVIF supports it

4

The AVIF file is saved and ready for download

HDR vs AVIF — Detailed Comparison

Feature.HDR.AVIF
Full NameRadiance HDR ImageAV1 Image File Format
CompressionLosslessLossy & Lossless
TransparencyNoYes
AnimationNoYes
Color Depth32-bit float (RGBE encoding)10 or 12 bits/channel
HDR SupportYesYes
Typical File Size5–50 MB50% smaller than JPEG at same visual quality
Platform SupportVery LimitedLimited
Browser Supportnonemodern browsers
Year Created19852019
Open StandardYesYes

Should You Convert HDR to AVIF?

When to Convert

  • You need a file that works in web browsers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HDR and AVIF?

HDR (Radiance) is a high-dynamic-range image format used in lighting and rendering. AVIF is the newest image format based on AV1 video codec, delivering exceptional compression — up to 50% smaller than JPEG at the same quality. Full Name: HDR uses Radiance HDR Image, while AVIF uses AV1 Image File Format. Compression: HDR uses Lossless, while AVIF uses Lossy & Lossless. Transparency: HDR uses No, while AVIF uses Yes.

Does HDR to AVIF conversion affect quality?

Converting HDR to AVIF maintains high quality with CocoConvert's optimised encoder settings.

Which format has better compression, HDR or AVIF?

HDR uses lossless compression. AVIF uses both compression. The better choice depends on whether you prioritize file size or quality.

How long does HDR to AVIF conversion take?

Most conversions finish in seconds. Larger files or complex image content may take 10–30 seconds. CocoConvert processes files in parallel for batch jobs.

Is HDR or AVIF better for long-term storage?

HDR is better for archival since it's lossless.

Powered by — installed on our conversion workers
ImageMagick 7.1 (locked policy.xml)libheif 1.xlibjxl-tools 0.11.xLibRaw / dcraw_emu 0.21.xSharp 0.34.x (Node)

Versions are pinned in our worker Dockerfile and re-built via CI on every change.