Can AVIF Contain Vector and Raster Data?

The AV1 Image File Format (AVIF) does not natively support rendering vector data alongside rasterized intra-frames. While the underlying container architecture theoretically allows arbitrary auxiliary data to be embedded as metadata, standard AVIF files cannot combine vector shapes and rasterized imagery into a unified, decodable hybrid format. AVIF viewers and web engines are designed strictly to decode rasterized AV1 intra-frames, ignoring any non-standard vector elements.

The Role of the ISOBMFF Container

AVIF is built upon the ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF), utilizing structural guidelines established by HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format). Because ISOBMFF acts as an extensible wrapper, it is capable of encapsulating diverse item types, including metadata blocks, audio, text, and XML.

Through this container mechanism, an author could technically embed vector files—such as an SVG payload—inside custom metadata boxes (like xml or mime boxes), or within an XMP metadata packet. However, this is strictly a storage workaround rather than a feature of the image format itself.

Decoder and Rendering Limitations

To qualify as a compliant AVIF file, the primary visual content must be defined by an av01 image item. This item contains pixel-based intra-frames compressed via the AV1 video codec.

Standard AVIF decoders and web browsers only process these rasterized AV1 payloads alongside recognized metadata, such as Exif or color management profiles (ICC). They do not feature vector rendering engines for AVIF parsing. If vector paths or coordinates are embedded inside the container:

• Decoders will not composite the vector data over or under the raster intra-frames.
• Rendering pipelines will disregard non-AV1 image items.
• Web browsers will treat the file strictly as a raster image, rendering only the decoded pixels.

Native Hybrid Alternatives

Because AVIF cannot natively composite vector data with raster frames, projects requiring hybrid capabilities must rely on formats designed for layered vector and raster integration:

• SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): SVG natively supports vector shapes, text, and paths, while allowing raster images (such as JPEG, PNG, or AVIF via data URIs) to be embedded directly using <image> elements.
• PDF: The Portable Document Format natively preserves both arbitrary vector paths and compressed rasterized image streams on the same canvas.

In summary, while an AVIF container can theoretically carry vector data as non-standard metadata, it cannot function as a dual vector-and-raster visual format. AVIF remains an exclusively raster-focused image format.