Flat / AVIF hosting
AVIF hosting: share AVIF images with a URL
Publish finished AVIF images from your browser or the CLI. Send a preview link for review or use the original AVIF URL in your website's image markup.
Checking your upload limits... · Public · Limits
Drop your AVIF files here
or choose them from your device.
Select AVIF filesWhat people see at your AVIF link
The viewer asks the browser to decode your AVIF file. The screenshot shows an AVIF preview alongside a WebP alternative in the explorer.
AVIF can store high-bit-depth and HDR images, but the displayed result depends on the encoding, browser, and screen. Flat does not tone-map or convert the file for other devices.
A single image opens in Flat's viewer. Several files open in the explorer. Public links need no Flat account, and original downloads stay available.
The exact path /color-guide.avif serves the original image. Use the main link for the viewer, or the exact image URL when embedding a browser-compatible image on your website.
How to upload AVIF files and get a URL
Prepare your images
Export an AVIF with the quality, dimensions, and color settings you need. Compare it with your source image before publishing, especially around small text, gradients, and fine detail.
For website delivery, include a WebP alternative or JPEG fallback if needed. Your own
pictureelement can offer these sources; Flat serves each file at its exact URL.Publish from your browser or terminal
In your browserDrop, publish, copy the link.
Drop your finished images into the uploader above, or choose them from your device. Enter your email if signed out, then choose "Publish images".
Each file needs a unique name. Selected files publish at the top level. Use the CLI for folders; the browser uploader does not accept folders or extract ZIPs.
TerminalNode.js 20+One command. Files or folders.
npx -y @getflat/cli deploy ./color-guide.avifReplace the example path with your file, or pass a folder path to publish several images. The CLI preserves relative paths and prints the published URL.
Open and share the URL
Check the AVIF on the browsers and screens your audience uses. If your website includes a fallback, verify that page as well as the original image URL.
Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. Sign in before expiry to keep them online, or sign in before publishing for no default expiry.
What you can share with AVIF hosting
- Finished website images
- Publish AVIF exports for your website and reference their original URLs. Choose compression and dimensions in your encoder before uploading.
- Encoding comparisons
- Share an AVIF beside a WebP or JPEG version. Inspect each at actual size to choose the quality and file size that suit your page.
- High-bit-depth image reviews
- Send an AVIF export for review on known devices. Keep the source available and use a color-managed workflow when exact color matters.
Keep a version, or keep an address.
Share this version
Every upload gets its own link. Publishing revised files creates a new link and leaves the earlier version unchanged. Use the version link when someone needs to review a specific upload.
Update files at one address
Use a named onflat.page address or your own domain. Sign in, then publish with the CLI using --domain. Publish revised files with the same domain to point that address to the new upload.
Named addresses are included on Free. Adding your own domain requires a paid plan. The browser uploader does not set up or repoint these addresses.
AVIF hosting questions
Is hosting free, and what are the limits?
Yes. Signed-in Free includes 5 MiB per upload, 1 GiB of storage, and 5 GiB of monthly transfer, with no default expiry. The per-upload limit covers all files in that upload. Paid plans raise these limits.
Do readers need a Flat account?
No. Public links open without a Flat account. Anyone with the link can open the uploaded files. Password-protected links also require the visitor password.
Can I password-protect my upload?
Yes. Password protection is available on every plan. Add --password YOUR_PASSWORD to your CLI deploy command. It protects access to the upload and its files, but does not prevent someone with access from saving a copy. The browser uploader creates public uploads.
Can I replace files without changing the link?
A version link always refers to its original upload. For same-address updates, use a named address or your own domain. Publish revised files with the same --domain value in the CLI to point that address to the new upload.
What happens when an upload expires?
Flat stops serving it. An expired upload cannot be recovered. Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. For browser uploads, use the sign-in link shown after publishing. For CLI uploads, run npx -y @getflat/cli login. Complete sign-in before expiry to keep the upload online. If you chose a shorter expiry in the CLI, that deadline stays in place.
Will every browser display my AVIF?
Support depends on the browser version and the file's encoding features. Check your target devices. If decoding fails, Flat offers the original download rather than generating a fallback.
Does Flat make AVIF files smaller?
No. Your encoder sets compression quality and file size. Flat serves the uploaded AVIF unchanged and does not generate other sizes or formats.
Can I serve AVIF with a WebP or JPEG fallback?
Yes. Upload the alternatives together and reference their exact URLs in your website's picture element. Flat's viewer does not automatically switch to another file when AVIF decoding fails.
How large can an image preview be?
Flat's viewer accepts image files up to 5 MiB. The browser must also be able to decode the image. Paid plans allow larger uploads, but do not raise the viewer's preview limit. Original files remain available to open or download when a preview is unavailable.
Another image format?
Find the guide for your next image.
Share your AVIF files.
Publish your finished images, check the result, and copy the link.
Publish imagesFree to start · View pricing