WebP
/ˈwɛbˌpiː/ · noun · image format
WebP is Google's image format for the web. It is smaller than JPG and PNG and works in all modern browsers.
In more detail
WebP is an image format from Google built for the web. It has lossy and lossless modes and supports transparency and animation. It is usually smaller than a JPG or PNG at the same quality.
Every modern browser supports it. Some editors and older tools still don't, and that is when converting to PNG helps.
What WebP supports
WebP has separate lossy and lossless modes. Both can keep transparency. The file can also hold animation, color profiles and metadata. So WebP can replace JPG, PNG and simple GIFs on many websites.
Lossy WebP is based on video compression and works well for photos. Lossless WebP compresses pixels without throwing any away. It is useful for graphics with transparency when it comes out smaller than PNG.
WebP compatibility and conversion
Current versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge all show WebP, so it is a safe format for websites. Problems are more likely in older design tools, office software, upload forms, file previews and workflows that accept only a few file types.
Convert WebP photos to JPG when they need to open anywhere. Convert to PNG when you need transparency or exact pixels. An animated WebP needs a format that supports animation, such as GIF or video. Converting it to a still format keeps only the first frame.
Key points
- WebP supports lossy and lossless images, transparency and animation.
- Browsers support it well, but some editors and upload forms still don't.
- Use JPG for photos that must open anywhere and PNG when you need transparency.