Overview
Google released WebP in 2010, based on the intra-frame coding of the VP8 video codec. A lossless mode, transparency and animation followed in 2011–2012, making WebP one of the few formats that can replace JPEG, PNG and GIF alike.
According to Google’s own studies, lossy WebP files are 25–34% smaller than comparable JPEGs and lossless WebP files about 26% smaller than PNGs. Real-world savings depend on the image and the encoder settings.
All current browsers support WebP: Chrome and Edge for many years, Firefox since version 65 (2019) and Safari since version 14 on macOS Big Sur and iOS 14 (2020).
Advantages
- +Much smaller than JPEG and PNG
- +Transparency even in lossy mode
- +Animation that is far smaller than GIF
- +Supported by all modern browsers
Disadvantages
- −Maximum size of 16383 × 16383 pixels
- −Lossy mode always uses 4:2:0 chroma subsampling, which can blur fine red or blue detail
- −Older software and some upload forms still reject it
- −Not a print or archival format
How WEBP compression works
Lossy WebP divides the image into macroblocks, predicts each block from already-decoded neighbours, transforms the difference, quantises it and codes it with an arithmetic (boolean) entropy coder. Lossless WebP instead applies reversible transforms (spatial prediction, colour decorrelation, “subtract green”, palette indexing) and then LZ77-style backward references, Huffman coding and a colour cache.
Common use cases
- Photos and graphics on websites
- Replacing animated GIFs
- Transparent images where PNG would be too heavy
Browser and software support
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera and Safari (macOS 11+ / iOS 14+) all display WebP. Current versions of Windows and macOS open WebP files natively; some older editors need an update or plug-in.
How to convert WEBP
Use the converter at the top of this page: drop your file, choose an output format and download the result. Conversions run in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
- JPG has no transparency. Transparent areas will be filled with the background colour.
- Animated images: only the first frame is converted.
Processed locally in your browser
WEBP FAQ
Is WebP better than JPEG?
For the web, usually yes: WebP produces smaller files at similar quality and adds transparency. JPEG remains the most compatible choice for sharing with arbitrary apps and devices.
Why do websites give me WebP images?
Sites serve WebP to load faster. If an app will not accept the file, convert WebP to JPG or PNG.
Is WebP lossless?
It can be either. WebP has a lossy mode (like JPEG) and a separate lossless mode (like PNG). JFIF.IO lets you choose.
What is the maximum WebP image size?
16383 × 16383 pixels. Larger images are scaled down to fit when converted.