How to Convert Images with the 'cavif' Command (with examples)

The cavif command is a powerful tool written in Rust, specifically designed for converting PNG and JPEG images to the efficient and modern AVIF format. AVIF is known for its high compression efficiency while maintaining image quality, making it an attractive choice for web developers, photographers, and anyone looking to reduce their image file sizes without compromising on visual fidelity. This command-line utility offers a straightforward way to convert images, allowing adjustments like quality control and output specification.

Use case 1: Convert a JPEG file to AVIF and save it to file.avif

Code:

cavif path/to/image.jpg

Motivation:

Converting images from JPEG to AVIF is highly beneficial for reducing file size while maintaining image quality. This use case is geared towards users who want a simple and direct conversion process without the need for additional parameters or file naming complexities.

Explanation:

• cavif: Calls the command-line tool for conversion.
• path/to/image.jpg: Specifies the path to the JPEG image that you wish to convert. This argument tells cavif which file to process. The converted image will be saved as file.avif by default.

Example Output:

Upon executing this command, the tool processes the JPEG file and generates an AVIF file in the same directory, named file.avif. If your JPEG image was 3 MB, the resulting AVIF might be under 1 MB, providing significant storage savings.

Use case 2: Adjust the image quality and convert a PNG file to AVIF

Code:

cavif --quality 1..100 path/to/image.png

Motivation:

In scenarios where quality holds paramount importance, controlling the quality level during conversion is crucial. This command allows users to define image quality, especially important when dealing with visually intensive applications.

Explanation:

• cavif: Initiates the conversion process.
• --quality 1..100: The --quality option, followed by a value between 1 and 100, specifies the desired quality level for the output AVIF image. A higher number indicates better quality and larger size, while a lower number means more compression.
• path/to/image.png: This is the path to the PNG image you aim to convert. It’s the source file for the conversion operation.

Example Output:

Executing this command results in a new AVIF file where quality is set as per the specified parameter. For example, a value of 80 typically balances file size and image quality adeptly. A 5 MB PNG might compress down to 1 MB AVIF with minimal quality loss.

Use case 3: Specify the output location

Code:

cavif path/to/image.jpg --output path/to/output.avif

Motivation:

Selecting an explicit output location is essential for organizing files better, particularly when handling bulk conversions or maintaining a clean project directory structure.

Explanation:

• cavif: Initiates the command for converting the file.
• path/to/image.jpg: This is the source JPEG image you want to convert.
• --output path/to/output.avif: The --output flag allows the user to direct where the converted AVIF image should be saved, providing greater flexibility and control over file management.

Example Output:

By executing the command, it saves the AVIF conversion not only with a specific file name but also in the designated directory. For instance, if your output directory was /images/converted/, the file would be saved there as output.avif.

Use case 4: Overwrite the destination file if it already exists

Code:

cavif --overwrite path/to/image.jpg

Motivation:

There are situations where quick, iterative updates are needed, such as tweaking image processing parameters and observing changes. The ability to overwrite avoids clutter and saves time during repeated conversion efforts.

Explanation:

• cavif: Initializes the AVIF conversion process.
• --overwrite: This flag tells cavif to replace an existing AVIF file in the destination location. Without this, cavif would not overwrite any pre-existing files, thus demanding manual intervention.
• path/to/image.jpg: Specifies the source JPEG file for conversion.

Example Output:

With this command, the existing file.avif is replaced seamlessly upon conversion. This ensures the latest conversion parameters are always reflected without manual deletions or renaming.

Conclusion:

The cavif command serves as a versatile and user-friendly tool for converting JPEG and PNG files into the AVIF format. By accommodating various needs such as adjusting quality, specifying output locations, and managing existing files, cavif stands out as an essential utility for anyone concerned with efficient image management and storage optimization.