Export High-Bit-Depth AVIF from Capture One

This article outlines the optimal workflow for converting high-bit-depth master images from Capture One into the modern AVIF format. Because Capture One does not natively export to AVIF, the process requires exporting an uncompressed 16-bit intermediate file and encoding it using dedicated command-line utilities or graphical converters to preserve wide color gamuts and smooth tonal gradations.

1. Configure the Capture One Export Recipe

To produce a true high-bit-depth master, you must avoid data loss during the initial export stage.

• Format: Select TIFF.
• Bit Depth: Choose 16-bit. This preserves the maximum tonal range captured by your camera sensor.
• Compression: Set to None or ZIP (lossless).
• Color Profile: Select a wide-gamut profile such as ProPhoto RGB or Adobe RGB (1998) for SDR mastering, or Rec. 2020 if you are targeting HDR displays.
• Resolution: 300 px/in (or native), with scale set to 100% / Fixed.

2. Choose an AVIF Encoding Tool

AVIF supports 8, 10, and 12-bit color depths. For photography masters, 10-bit or 12-bit encoding is necessary to eliminate color banding while maintaining efficient compression.

• avifenc (libavif): The official reference encoder from the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia). It is fast, highly configurable, and provides the best bit-depth control.
• FFmpeg: Suitable if you already have it installed with libaom-av1 enabled.
• ImageMagick: A versatile tool that can process 16-bit TIFF inputs directly into AVIF using libheif or libavif backends.

3. Encode the Intermediate File

Using the reference encoder avifenc delivers the most reliable conversion of ICC color profiles and high bit depths. Run the following command in your terminal:

avifenc --depth 10 --yuv 444 --min 0 --max 63 -a cq-level=18 -s 4 input.tif output.avif

• --depth 10: Encodes the file in 10-bit color (use --depth 12 if you require 12-bit mastering).
• --yuv 444: Uses 4:4:4 chroma subsampling to retain full color resolution, preventing edge degradation around fine details.
• -a cq-level=18: Sets a near-visually-lossless quality level (values range from 0–63, where lower numbers mean higher quality; 15–20 is optimal for archival masters).
• -s 4: Compression speed setting (0 is slowest, 10 is fastest; 4 balances encoding time and file size).
• The encoder will automatically embed the ICC profile attached to your exported TIFF.

4. Automate the Workflow in Capture One

To streamline the conversion into a single step:

1. Create a script (Bash on macOS/Linux or a .bat file on Windows) that watches an export directory or accepts an input file argument to run the avifenc command.
2. In Capture One's Export Recipe under Open With, select your conversion script or executable.
3. Once configured, triggering an export in Capture One automatically generates the 16-bit TIFF and triggers the AVIF transcode without manual terminal intervention.