What is WebP?
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google in 2010. It combines the best features of JPG and PNG: lossy compression for photos (like JPG), lossless compression for graphics, and transparency support (like PNG) — all in smaller file sizes.
WebP typically produces files 25-35% smaller than equivalent JPG or PNG images at the same visual quality. This makes it ideal for web delivery where every kilobyte affects page load speed.
When to use WebP
WebP is the right choice when you need:
- → Smaller file sizes — 25-35% smaller than JPG/PNG at same quality
- → Web performance — Faster loading, better Core Web Vitals
- → Both photos and graphics — One format handles lossy and lossless
- → Transparency with small files — Alpha channel without PNG's size overhead
Limitations
WebP isn't ideal for every situation:
- × Limited legacy support — Older browsers and software may not open WebP files
- × Not universally shareable — Some email clients and social platforms don't accept WebP
- × Limited editing software — Some older image editors can't open WebP
- × Smaller ecosystem — Less documentation and tools compared to JPG/PNG
Browser support
WebP now has excellent browser support:
Over 96% of web users can view WebP images natively. For the remaining users, you can provide JPG/PNG fallbacks.
Technical specifications
Color depth
24-bit color (16.7 million colors)
Compression
VP8 (lossy) or VP8L (lossless)
Transparency
Full alpha channel support
Animation
Supported (animated WebP)
File extension
.webp
MIME type
image/webp
WebP vs JPG vs PNG
| Feature | WebP | JPG | PNG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lossy compression | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lossless compression | Yes | No | Yes |
| Transparency | Yes | No | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No | APNG |
| File size (typical) | Smallest | Medium | Largest |
Convert WebP
Convert WebP images to other formats or convert other formats to WebP.
Convert WebP to other formats
Universal compatibility
Lossless editing format
Even smaller files
Convert to WebP
Quality settings
WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression:
Quality 0-100, similar to JPG. 75-85% is usually optimal for photos.
Perfect quality preservation, like PNG but with better compression.