What is WebP?
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images on the web. It typically produces smaller file sizes than JPEG and PNG while maintaining comparable quality.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Web Picture Format |
|---|---|
| Created | 2010 by Google |
| Specification | Official Specification |
How It Works
WebP was introduced by Google in 2010 as a more efficient alternative to existing web image formats. It uses predictive coding based on VP8 video codec technology for lossy compression and can achieve 25-34% smaller file sizes than JPEG at equivalent quality. For lossless compression, WebP is typically 26% smaller than PNG. The format supports transparency (alpha channel), animation, and both lossy and lossless modes. WebP is now supported by all major browsers and is widely adopted for web optimization. AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) has emerged as a next-generation format offering even better compression than WebP (typically 20-30% smaller). Based on the AV1 video codec, AVIF supports HDR, wide color gamut, and film grain synthesis. Browser support is growing, with Chrome, Firefox, and Safari (17+) supporting AVIF. For maximum compatibility, consider serving AVIF with WebP and JPEG fallbacks.
Key Characteristics
- 25-34% smaller than JPEG at equivalent quality
- 26% smaller than PNG for lossless images
- Supports both lossy and lossless compression
- Supports alpha channel transparency
- Supports animation (alternative to GIF)
- Based on VP8/VP9 video codec technology
Common Use Cases
- Website image optimization
- Mobile app graphics
- E-commerce product images
- Animated images (GIF replacement)
- Progressive web applications
Example
Loading code...Frequently Asked Questions
Is WebP supported by all browsers?
Yes, as of 2024, WebP is supported by all major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari (14+), Edge, and Opera. For older browsers, you can use the HTML picture element to provide fallback formats.
How much smaller are WebP files compared to JPEG and PNG?
WebP lossy images are typically 25-34% smaller than JPEG at equivalent quality. WebP lossless images are about 26% smaller than PNG. Actual savings vary depending on the image content.
Does WebP support transparency?
Yes, WebP supports alpha channel transparency in both lossy and lossless modes, unlike JPEG which doesn't support transparency. This makes WebP a good replacement for both JPEG and PNG.
Can WebP replace GIF for animations?
Yes, WebP supports animation and typically produces much smaller file sizes than GIF for animated images. WebP animations also support 24-bit color and alpha transparency, while GIF is limited to 256 colors.
How do I convert images to WebP format?
You can convert images to WebP using tools like Google's cwebp command-line tool, image editing software like Photoshop or GIMP, online converters, or build tools and CDNs that automatically generate WebP versions.