WebP is a newer image format that makes pictures smaller without losing much quality
WebP is a file format for images — like JPG or PNG — created by Google in 2010. The main point is that WebP files are smaller than the older formats while looking nearly as good. A photo saved as WebP might be half the size of the same photo saved as JPG, which means web pages load faster and use less data on your phone or computer.
You probably encounter WebP files without noticing. If you use Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari on a recent device, your browser can display WebP images automatically. Older browsers and some older phones cannot read WebP, so websites sometimes offer both versions — they show you WebP if your browser supports it, and JPG or PNG if it does not.
Key Takeaways
- WebP files are typically 25 to 35 percent smaller than JPG files of the same image, which speeds up page loading.
- Most modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) display WebP without any action from you, but older devices may not support it.
- You do not need to convert your own images to WebP unless you are building a website — viewing WebP works the same as viewing any other image.
- WebP handles both photographs and graphics with transparency, so it can replace JPG, PNG, and GIF in most situations.
How WebP makes files smaller
WebP uses a compression method called lossy compression, which is the same idea behind JPG. The format throws away some of the image data that human eyes do not notice much — like tiny variations in color in a smooth sky. The result is a much smaller file. For a typical photograph, you lose almost nothing visible while cutting the file size in half.
WebP also supports lossless compression, which keeps all the original image data but still shrinks the file through clever encoding. This mode is useful for graphics, logos, and screenshots where you need every pixel to stay exactly the same. Lossless WebP files are smaller than lossless PNG files, though not by as much as lossy WebP beats JPG.
The format also handles transparency — the ability to have see-through areas in an image — which JPG cannot do. This means WebP can replace both JPG (for photos) and PNG (for graphics with transparent backgrounds) in most cases.
Why websites use WebP instead of older formats
Smaller files mean faster loading. If a website uses WebP instead of JPG, the page loads a few hundred milliseconds faster on a phone or computer with a slow connection. That speed matters: studies show that people leave websites that take too long to load, and search engines rank faster sites higher in results.
Smaller files also mean less data used. On a phone plan with a data limit, loading pages with WebP instead of JPG uses less of your monthly allowance. For people on slow or expensive connections, this difference adds up.
From a website owner's perspective, serving WebP to browsers that support it costs less in storage and bandwidth. Since most people now use modern browsers, the tradeoff — showing JPG to the small number of people on older devices — is worth it.
When you might need to convert images to WebP
If you are building a website or blog, converting your images to WebP before uploading them can speed up your site. Most image editing software (like Photoshop, GIMP, or even free online tools) can save files as WebP. You can also use command-line tools like ImageMagick or online converters if you prefer not to install software.
For everyday use — viewing images, sharing photos, editing pictures for personal reasons — you do not need to convert anything. Your phone and computer handle WebP the same way they handle JPG or PNG. You only need to think about WebP if you are publishing images on the internet and want them to load as fast as possible.
If you have an older device that does not support WebP, you will not see WebP files at all — the website will show you JPG or PNG instead. You do not have to do anything; the website detects what your browser can handle and sends the right format.
WebP versus JPG, PNG, and GIF
| Format | Best for | File size | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|
| WebP | Photos and graphics | Smallest | Yes |
| JPG | Photographs | Medium | No |
| PNG | Graphics and photos with transparency | Large | Yes |
| GIF | straightforward animations and graphics | Medium to large | Yes |
WebP is newer and smaller, but the older formats are still everywhere because not every device or software supports WebP yet. JPG remains the standard for photographs because it works on everything. PNG is still used for graphics that need transparency. GIF is mostly used for short animations, though WebP can do that too.
The trend is toward WebP. As older devices and browsers fade out of use, more websites will use WebP as their main format and offer JPG or PNG only as a fallback for the few people who need it.
How to tell if an image is WebP
The filename tells you the format. A WebP image ends with .webp, just like JPG files end with .jpg or .jpeg and PNG files end with .png. If you right-click an image on a website and choose "Save image as," you can see the filename and extension.
You can also check the file properties on your computer. On Windows, right-click the file and choose Properties; on Mac, right-click and choose Get Info. The file type or kind will say "WebP image" or show the .webp extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a WebP file on my phone or computer?
If your device is from the last five years and you use a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge), yes. Older phones and computers may not support WebP. On Windows, you can read a free WebP codec from Microsoft if your version of Windows does not display WebP natively. On Mac and iPhone, WebP support is built in.
Do I need to convert my photos to WebP?
Only if you are publishing them on a website. For personal use — storing photos, sharing with friends, editing — stick with JPG or PNG. Your phone and computer work with those formats everywhere. WebP matters mainly to web developers and people running websites.
Will WebP replace JPG and PNG completely?
Probably not completely, but WebP will become the standard for new websites. JPG and PNG will stay around because they work on every device ever made. Websites will likely serve WebP to modern browsers and JPG or PNG to older ones, so you may never notice the switch.
Is WebP better quality than JPG?
Not exactly. At the same file size, WebP looks slightly better than JPG because it compresses more efficiently. But if you make a WebP file the same size as a JPG file, they look nearly identical. The real advantage is that WebP lets you make smaller files without sacrificing quality.
Can WebP files have animations like GIF?
Yes. WebP supports animation, so it can replace GIF for moving images. An animated WebP file is usually smaller than an animated GIF of the same length and quality, but GIF is still more widely supported on older devices and in some software.