If you have ever saved an image from a website and found a .webp file instead of a .jpg or .png, you have encountered the WebP format. Here is what it is and what you can do with it.
What is WebP?
WebP is an image format developed by Google, introduced in 2010. It is designed to produce smaller file sizes than JPG or PNG at similar or better visual quality.
WebP supports:
- Lossy compression (like JPG) — smaller files with some quality trade-off
- Lossless compression (like PNG) — perfect quality, no data loss
- Transparency (like PNG) — supports alpha channel
- Animation (like GIF) — animated WebP files exist
WebP vs JPG vs PNG: At a Glance
| Feature | WebP | JPG | PNG | |---|---|---|---| | Lossy compression | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | | Lossless compression | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | | Transparency (alpha) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | | Animation | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ (APNG only) | | Browser support | All modern browsers | Universal | Universal | | Typical file size | Smallest | Medium | Largest | | Best for | Web images | Photos | Graphics, screenshots |
Why Websites Use WebP
Web performance is directly tied to page load speed, which is affected by image sizes. Google's own research found that WebP images are:
- 25–34% smaller than equivalent JPGs (lossy)
- 26% smaller than equivalent PNGs (lossless)
Smaller images load faster, which improves user experience and can positively affect search engine rankings. This is why many websites — including those built with tools like Google's PageSpeed Insights recommendations — serve WebP images.
When WebP Causes Problems
WebP's broad browser support means it works for most web viewing. Problems occur when:
- Older software (Photoshop pre-2022, older Word, legacy applications) cannot open WebP
- Email clients may not display WebP images inline
- Some social media platforms do not accept WebP uploads
- Print shops expect JPG or PDF, not WebP
How to Convert WebP to JPG or PNG
If you have received a WebP file and cannot open it, convert it to a universally supported format:
WebP to JPG: Use WEBP to JPG — best for photos where you want the smallest file
WebP to PNG: Use WEBP to PNG — best for graphics, logos, or images that need transparency
For both: upload the file, click convert, download the result.
Should You Use WebP for Your Own Images?
For websites: Yes, if your audience uses modern browsers (virtually everyone). WebP significantly reduces page load time.
For sharing with others: Depends on the recipient. If they use modern software and browsers, WebP is fine. If they might use older software, JPG or PNG is safer.
For editing workflows: Convert WebP to PNG before editing in Photoshop or similar tools. PNG is lossless, so you won't lose quality during editing.
Related guides: How to Convert HEIC to JPG · How to Convert Images Between Formats