About WEBP Files
WebP Image
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior lossless and lossy compression. Files are typically 25-35% smaller than equivalent JPEG or PNG images at the same visual quality.
Family
Raster & Vector Images
Extension
.webp
MIME Type
image/webp
Can Use As
HOW WEBP
CAME TO BE.
WebP came out of Google's acquisition of On2 Technologies in 2010. On2 had developed the VP8 video codec, and Google's engineers realized the same compression math could be applied to still images. WebP 1.0 shipped in September 2010 as an explicit replacement for JPEG, PNG, and GIF — one format to unify photographic and graphical images with or without transparency.
Adoption was slow for years: Safari didn't ship support until 2020, a full decade after release. Today every major browser reads WebP, and it quietly powers most image delivery on modern CDNs, typically saving 25–35% of bytes versus an equivalent JPEG or PNG.
CURIOSITIES &
TRIVIA.
WebP uses the same compression engine as the VP8 video codec — a still WebP is essentially a 1-frame video.
WebP supports BOTH lossy AND lossless compression in the same format — you choose per image.
Animated WebP was added in 2012 to replace animated GIFs (which are lossless but huge).
Google claims WebP is ~26% smaller than PNG and ~25-34% smaller than JPEG at equivalent quality.
WebP was rejected by Apple for ten years before Safari finally added support in 2020.
STRENGTHS &
LIMITATIONS.
Strengths
- Smaller file sizes than JPEG, PNG, and GIF at equivalent visual quality.
- Single format for lossy photos, lossless graphics, transparency, and animation.
- Full alpha channel support with smaller files than PNG.
- Now universally supported in all modern browsers.
- Open-source reference implementation (libwebp) by Google.
Limitations
- Some older software and image editors still don't read WebP natively.
- Max dimensions are 16,383 × 16,383 — lower than JPEG or PNG.
- Print workflows rarely support WebP (no CMYK, limited color management).
- Editing tools are less mature than JPEG/PNG; round-tripping can lose quality.
Typical Sizes & Weights
Web photo (vs JPEG equivalent)
25–35% smaller
Transparent logo (vs PNG)
20–30% smaller
Animated replacement for GIF
60–80% smaller
Hero banner (1920×1080)
150–400 KB
Technical Specifications
- MIME type
- image/webp
- Compression
- VP8 (lossy) or VP8L (lossless)
- Color depth
- 8 bits per channel
- Max dimensions
- 16,383 × 16,383 pixels
- Transparency
- Full 8-bit alpha channel
- Animation
- Supported since WebP 2012 revision
CONVERT FROM
WEBP
CONVERT TO
WEBP
Common Use Cases
Web performance optimization, modern websites, progressive web apps.
Related Formats
Popular comparisons
WEBP vs JPG
Differences, file size, and when to choose each format.
WEBP vs GIF
Differences, file size, and when to choose each format.
WEBP vs PNG
Differences, file size, and when to choose each format.
WEBP vs AVIF
Differences, file size, and when to choose each format.
WEBP vs BMP
Differences, file size, and when to choose each format.
WEBP vs TIFF
Differences, file size, and when to choose each format.
Popular WEBP conversions
The most-requested destinations when starting from WEBP.
Frequently Asked Questions about WEBP
Frequently Asked Questions
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google in 2010. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation, while delivering files 25-35% smaller than JPEG and PNG equivalents.
WebP files open natively in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and most modern image viewers. On Windows, the Photos app supports WebP. On macOS, Preview handles it from macOS Big Sur onward.
AVIF offers even better compression than WebP (up to 50% smaller) but has less browser and software support. Use WebP for broad compatibility today. Choose AVIF for cutting-edge web performance if your audience uses modern browsers.