What Is WEBP? The Web Image Format Explained

WEBP is an image format created by Google to make the web faster. If you have ever saved an image from a website and got a .webp file instead of a JPG, you have met it already.

Why WEBP exists

WEBP combines the strengths of JPG and PNG. It can compress photos lossily like JPG – typically 25–35 % smaller at the same quality – and it can also store graphics losslessly with transparency, like PNG. One format for both jobs, with smaller files.

Where WEBP works

Every current browser – Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari – displays WEBP, so it is a safe choice for websites. Support in desktop software is the weak spot: some older photo viewers, office programs and print services still cannot open it.

When to use WEBP

• Yes: images on your own website or online shop.
• Yes: transparent graphics where PNG files are too big.
• Maybe not: files you send to people who edit them in older software.
• No: print shops and forms that explicitly ask for JPG.

Opening or converting a WEBP file

If a program refuses a WEBP image, convert it to JPG – the most compatible format there is. WEBP to JPG does this in your browser without uploading anything.

Want to go the other way and make your website images smaller? Image Converter turns JPG and PNG into WEBP, and Compress Image can convert to WEBP while compressing.