This repository contains the AV2 Bitstream & Decoding Process Specification - the next-generation video coding specification from the Alliance for Open Media.
AV2 is the next-generation video coding specification developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), building upon the success of AV1. Designed to deliver significantly improved compression efficiency, AV2 targets applications requiring high-quality video at lower bitrates, including streaming, broadcasting, and video conferencing.
Key improvements over AV1 include enhanced coding tools, improved compression efficiency, and support for advanced features such as multi-layer coding and extended color formats.
The official public release is available in the v1.0.0/ directory:
- Full Specification (HTML) - Complete specification document with all sections (Syntax, Semantics, Decoding Process, Tables, Annexes)
- Full Specification (PDF) - The complete specification as a downloadable PDF
- Syntax Browser - Interactive split-pane view of Sections 5 & 6 with synchronized navigation
- Additional Tables - Section 9 lookup tables as C header files
An earlier development draft, retained for reference in the v13-public/ directory. The "v13" label denotes a working-draft milestone and does not indicate a version newer than 1.0.0.
- Full Specification - Complete specification document
- Syntax Browser - Interactive split-pane view of Sections 5 & 6
- Additional Tables - Section 9 lookup tables as C header files
- Release Notes - Known issues and planned improvements for the v13 draft
The AVM reference software implementation corresponding to v1.0.0 is available on GitHub:
For issues with the reference software, please use the GitHub issue tracker.
We welcome feedback on the specification! Please send your comments, questions, or issue reports to:
or file an issue on the AVM issue tracker.
When reporting issues, please include:
- Section number or specific location
- Clear description of the issue or question
Note: This repository contains compiled specification outputs only.
av2-spec/
├── index.html # Landing page with version links
├── aomedia_logo_rgb.svg # AOM logo
├── av2-logo.svg # AV2 logo
├── v1.0.0/ # v1.0.0 release (current)
│ ├── index.html # Full specification document
│ ├── *.pdf # Full specification as PDF
│ ├── syntax_browser.html # Interactive syntax/semantics browser
│ ├── attachments/ # Section 9 tables as .h files
│ ├── css/ # Stylesheets
│ ├── js/ # JavaScript
│ └── images/ # Figures and diagrams
├── v13-public/ # v13 superseded working draft
│ ├── v13_release_notes.pdf # Release notes for the v13 draft (PDF)
│ └── ... # Same structure as v1.0.0 (no spec PDF)
└── LICENSE # License information
See the LICENSE file for licensing information.
- Alliance for Open Media: https://aomedia.org
- AVM Reference Software: https://github.com/AOMediaCodec/avm
- AV1 Specification: https://aomediacodec.github.io/av1-spec/