WebP is a newer image format that makes files smaller without losing quality
WebP is an image format created by Google in 2010 as an alternative to older formats like JPEG and PNG. The main difference is file size: a WebP image typically takes up 25 to 35 percent less storage space than a JPEG of the same photo, and about 26 percent less than a PNG. Smaller files mean web pages load faster, images download quicker on mobile networks, and you use less storage on your device.
You have probably already seen WebP images without realizing it. Google, Facebook, Netflix, and many other large websites use WebP for their images. Your browser handles the conversion automatically — you do not need to do anything special to view them. The format works on most modern browsers, though older ones may not support it yet.
Key Takeaways
- WebP files are typically 25 to 35 percent smaller than JPEG files of the same image, which speeds up web page loading and reduces data usage.
- Most modern browsers support WebP, but Internet Explorer and some older versions of Safari and Firefox do not.
- You can convert your own images to WebP using free online tools or image editing software like Photoshop or GIMP.
- WebP works well for photographs and graphics, though PNG remains better for images that need a transparent background.
How WebP compression works differently from JPEG
JPEG uses a compression method that throws away some image data to make files smaller — the more you compress, the more detail you lose, which is why heavily compressed JPEGs look blurry or blocky. WebP uses a smarter compression approach that keeps more detail while still reducing file size. It can also use lossless compression, which keeps every pixel exactly as it was, similar to PNG.
The practical result is that a WebP file at the same visual quality as a JPEG will be noticeably smaller. A photograph that is 500 kilobytes as a JPEG might be 350 kilobytes as a WebP. On a website with hundreds of images, that difference adds up to faster page loads and lower bandwidth costs for the site owner.
Which browsers and devices support WebP
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari (version 16 and later on Mac and iOS) all support WebP. That covers the vast majority of people browsing the web. Internet Explorer does not support it, but Microsoft stopped updating Internet Explorer in 2022, so very few people still use it.
On mobile devices, WebP works on Android phones and newer iPhones. If you are using an older device or an older browser version, you may see a broken image icon instead of the picture. Most websites that use WebP have a backup JPEG or PNG version ready to send to older browsers automatically, so you usually will not notice the difference.
Converting your own images to WebP
If you want to convert photos or graphics you have created, several free tools are available. Google's official WebP converter (cwebp) is a command-line tool for people comfortable with technical steps. For most people, online converters like CloudConvert, Convertio, or Zamzar are simpler — you upload an image, choose WebP as the output format, and download the result.
Image editing software also works. Adobe Photoshop can export directly to WebP. GIMP, which is free, can save WebP files if you install the WebP plugin. The process is the same as saving to any other format: open your image, go to File > Export As, choose WebP from the format dropdown, and adjust the quality slider if you want.
When to use WebP instead of JPEG or PNG
Use WebP for photographs and complex graphics where you want smaller file sizes and faster loading. It is ideal for websites, social media, and anywhere file size matters. If you are uploading to a platform like Instagram or Facebook, the site will convert your image to its own format anyway, so WebP does not give you an advantage there.
PNG is still better when you need a transparent background — WebP supports transparency, but PNG has been around longer and is more widely supported in older software. If you are creating graphics for print or professional design work, stick with formats your design team already uses, since WebP is primarily a web format.
WebP and image quality settings
When you convert an image to WebP, you can choose a quality level, usually on a scale from 0 to 100. A quality setting of 80 usually looks nearly identical to the original to the human eye, while a setting of 60 starts to show visible loss of detail. The lower the quality number, the smaller the file, so you can find the right balance for your needs.
For photographs, most people find quality 75 to 85 gives good results. For graphics with solid colors or text, you can often go lower. Experiment with a few settings on one image to see what looks acceptable to you, then use that same setting for similar images.
WebP file size comparison in real examples
| Image Type | JPEG Size | WebP Size | Size Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape photograph | 450 KB | 310 KB | 31% |
| Product photo | 280 KB | 195 KB | 30% |
| Screenshot with text | 320 KB | 240 KB | 25% |
| Graphic with solid colors | 150 KB | 85 KB | 43% |
These are typical reductions at comparable quality levels. Your actual results will vary depending on the image content — photographs with lots of detail compress less dramatically than graphics with large areas of solid color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view WebP images on my phone?
Yes, if your phone is from the last five years. Android phones have supported WebP since 2014. iPhones support it on iOS 14 and later, which includes iPhone 6s and newer. If you have an older device, you may not be able to view WebP images in some apps, though web browsers usually have a fallback.
Will WebP replace JPEG and PNG completely?
Probably not completely. JPEG and PNG are so widely used and supported that they will remain common for years. WebP is growing in use, especially on websites, but older formats are not going away. Most modern websites use both — they send WebP to browsers that support it and JPEG or PNG to older ones.
Is WebP lossless or lossy?
WebP can be either. You can save a WebP file with lossless compression (keeping all original detail, like PNG) or lossy compression (smaller file, slight quality loss, like JPEG). When you convert an image, you choose which approach you want based on your quality and file size needs.
Do I need special software to open a WebP file?
No. Most image viewers and web browsers open WebP files automatically. On Windows, the Photos app and Microsoft Edge both handle WebP. On Mac, Preview and Safari work. If you have older software that does not recognize WebP, you can convert it back to JPEG or PNG using the same online tools you used to create it.