WebP (.webp)
Modern image format from Google offering superior compression for both photos and graphics.
- Extension
- .webp
- MIME Type
- image/webp
Last updated
What Is a WebP File?
WebP is an image format developed by Google and released in 2010. It uses both lossy and lossless compression and is designed as a superior alternative to both JPG and PNG for web use.
Compression Performance
| Format | Typical File Size (1080×1080 photo) | Compression |
|---|---|---|
| PNG (lossless) | 2.4 MB | Lossless |
| JPG (Q85) | 280 KB | Lossy |
| WebP (Q85) | 190 KB | Lossy |
| WebP lossless | 1.8 MB | Lossless |
WebP lossy delivers 25–34% smaller files than JPG at equivalent visual quality. WebP lossless delivers 26% smaller files than PNG.
Browser Support
As of 2024, WebP is supported by 97%+ of browsers globally, including all modern versions of Chrome, Safari (since 2020), Firefox, and Edge.
Transparency and Animation
Unlike JPG, WebP supports full alpha channel transparency. Unlike GIF, WebP animation supports full 24-bit colour and alpha transparency, with file sizes dramatically smaller than animated GIFs.
When to Use WebP
✅ All web images — best size/quality ratio available ✅ Images with transparency (replaces PNG in many cases) ✅ Animated images (replaces GIF) ✅ Any context where bandwidth matters
⚠️ Not supported in some older email clients — stick to JPG for email attachments ⚠️ Some older CMS platforms may not handle WebP uploads
Tools for WebP files
- Compress Image
Compress JPEG, PNG, and WebP images online without losing visible quality. Reduce file sizes instantly — no upload, runs in your browser.
- Resize Image
Resize images online to exact pixel dimensions or a percentage. Works on JPG, PNG, and WebP. No upload — runs entirely in your browser.
- WebP Converter
Convert images to WebP format online, or convert WebP to JPG/PNG. Reduce file sizes by up to 30% — free, private, and browser-based with no upload required.