What Is WebP and When Should You Use It?
A beginner-friendly explanation of WebP, where it helps, and when PNG or JPG may still be the better format.
WebP is an image format built for efficient web delivery. It can store photos, screenshots, graphics, and transparency, often at smaller file sizes than older website formats.
Use WebP for published website assets when your CMS, store, or framework accepts it. Keep the original PNG or JPG when you may need to edit the image later.
Good uses for WebP
- Blog and landing page images.
- Product images where your store supports WebP.
- Screenshots and large transparent graphics.
- Delivery copies generated from higher-quality source files.
When to avoid WebP
Avoid making WebP your only copy if collaborators still need PNG, JPG, PSD, or another editable source format. A good habit is simple: source files for editing, WebP files for delivery.
FAQ
Is WebP good for websites?
Yes. WebP is widely used for website delivery because it can reduce file size while keeping good visual quality.
Can I edit WebP like a PNG?
Some editors support WebP, but PNG is still a safer source format for many design workflows.
Resources
References
Use these references to move between the guide, the matching supporting pages, and the people behind the content.
Convert between JPG, PNG, and WebP formats in your browser.
Open toolJPG to WebP ConverterConvert JPG photos to smaller WebP images in your browser.
Open toolPNG to WebP ConverterConvert PNG images to smaller WebP files in your browser.
Open toolWebP to PNG ConverterTurn WebP files into PNG images when an upload form needs PNG.
Open toolHow to Convert PNG to WebP Without Losing TransparencyA practical guide to converting transparent PNG graphics to WebP while checking alpha edges, previewing results, and avoiding common export mistakes.
Read guidePNG vs WebP vs AVIF: Which Image Format Should You Use?A practical comparison of PNG, WebP, and AVIF for website images, transparency, screenshots, photos, and browser support.
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Related Tools
Use these free browser tools to prepare, edit, or convert your images.
Convert PNG images to smaller WebP files in your browser while keeping transparency when the browser encoder supports it.
Open toolJPG to WebP ConverterConvert JPG photos to smaller WebP images in your browser. Free, private, and local for supported files.
Open toolPNG to JPG ConverterConvert PNG images to JPG in your browser. Free, private, and local for supported files.
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