How to Use the Command 'avifenc' (with examples)

The avifenc command is a versatile tool that is part of the AV1 Image File Format (AVIF) encoder suite. It is designed to convert images into the AVIF format, leveraging the advanced compression capabilities and high image quality benefits of the AV1 codec. AVIF is quickly becoming a preferred format for the web due to its ability to maintain high image quality at smaller file sizes compared to formats such as JPEG and PNG. This article will guide you through some practical use cases for avifenc, illustrating how to use the command with specific examples.

Use Case 1: Convert a Specific PNG Image to AVIF

Code:

avifenc path/to/input.png path/to/output.avif

Motivation: Converting PNG images to the AVIF format is increasingly crucial for web developers and designers who want to optimize website performance. By switching to AVIF, you can dramatically reduce image file sizes without sacrificing quality, leading to faster load times and a better user experience. This conversion is particularly beneficial when dealing with graphics or images that are widely used and accessed frequently on the internet.

Explanation:

• avifenc: This is the command used to invoke the AVIF encoder.
• path/to/input.png: This specifies the location of the original PNG image you wish to convert.
• path/to/output.avif: This sets the path and filename for the converted AVIF file. It determines where the new image will be saved and how it will be named.

Example Output: Upon executing the command, the console will output a success message confirming the conversion. Additionally, if you navigate to the specified output path, you will find the newly created AVIF image, ready for use. The file size will typically be smaller than that of the original PNG, yet the image quality should remain visually indistinguishable or improved due to AVIF’s superior compression methods.

Use Case 2: Encode with a Specific Speed

Code:

avifenc --speed 2 path/to/input.png path/to/output.avif

Motivation: The speed setting in image encoding can greatly impact the balance between the processing time and the ultimate quality of the image. In situations where you need to batch-process a large number of images or maintain a workflow that prioritizes efficiency, adjusting the encoding speed helps strike that balance. By setting the encoding speed, users can choose the most appropriate trade-off for their specific needs, whether they require a faster process or higher quality.

Explanation:

• avifenc: This operates the AVIF encoder.
• --speed 2: The --speed flag allows you to select a specific speed setting for the encoding process, where 0 is the slowest with potentially the highest quality, and 10 is the fastest, possibly with some compromised quality. Setting it to 2 is a choice that provides good quality while still keeping the encoding relatively fast.
• path/to/input.png: Indicates the source file in PNG format.
• path/to/output.avif: Designates where and how the converted AVIF image will be stored and named.

Example Output: Executing the command with an altered speed will result in an AVIF image file at the specified output path. You will notice that the processing time might be different compared to using the default speed, but the quality should still meet certain standards, making it an ideal choice for tasks where both timely conversion and image fidelity are important.

Conclusion:

The avifenc command is a powerful utility for converting images into the AVIF format, offering both benefits in file size reduction and high image quality. By understanding how to use its basic conversion feature, as well as how to manipulate encoding speed settings, users can effectively utilize avifenc for various scenarios, including web optimization and efficient image processing workflows. Whether the priority is speed, quality, or a balance of both, avifenc provides the flexibility needed to meet these demands efficiently.