WebP
Modern image format with lossy and lossless modes, transparency, and animation support.
Conversion tools
Compression tools
Format details
What is WebP?
WebP is a modern raster format developed for the web that supports both lossy and lossless compression, full alpha transparency, and animation. Lossy WebP typically produces files 25-35% smaller than JPG at similar quality, while lossless WebP often beats PNG on size. It is widely used for hero images, thumbnails, and product photos on modern sites.
Specifications
- Typical file size
- Web photos: 40-250 KB. Lossless UI assets: 5-150 KB. Animated WebP: usually well under the size of an equivalent GIF.
- Quality
- Very good perceived quality at small file sizes; lossless mode preserves every pixel while typically remaining smaller than PNG.
- Transparency support
- Yes — Full 8-bit alpha in both lossy and lossless modes.
- Animation support
- Yes — Multi-frame animation with far smaller files than GIF for the same clip.
- Compression type
- Lossy (VP8) and lossless (VP8L)
- Browser support
- Supported in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. Not supported in Internet Explorer.
- Compatibility
- Supported on modern OS versions, Android, iOS 14+, and mainstream editors. Older desktop viewers may need a plugin.
Advantages
- Smaller files than JPG or PNG at similar quality
- Supports transparency in lossy mode
- Animation with modern codec efficiency
- Broad support across current browsers
Disadvantages
- Not supported in legacy browsers or older tools
- Some editors still lack strong WebP editing
- Metadata handling varies between encoders
- Very old email clients may not render WebP inline
Common uses
- Hero and product images on modern websites
- App and marketplace listing photos
- Transparent overlays and UI assets
- Lightweight animated banners
- Progressive Web App image assets
Common conversions
- WebP to JPG
- WebP to PNG
- WebP to PDF
- PNG to WebP
- JPG to WebP
Compression tips
- Use lossy WebP for photos and lossless WebP for UI and logos
- Target quality 70-80 for photographic content
- Downsize to the actual displayed dimensions before export
- Reserve animation for short loops; consider AVIF or video for longer clips
- Offer a JPG or PNG fallback for very old browsers when necessary
Frequently asked questions
For modern web delivery, usually yes. WebP is typically 25-35% smaller than JPG at similar quality and also supports transparency and animation.
Some legacy viewers do not include a WebP decoder. Converting the file to JPG or PNG produces a version those programs can open.
Lossless WebP with alpha is a strong PNG replacement on the web and usually produces smaller files, but keep a PNG copy when broad compatibility matters.
Yes, but expect larger files and fewer colors because GIF is limited to a 256-color palette per frame.