WebP
.webp · image/webp · 2010 · Google
Google's web format: ~30% smaller than JPEG, supports transparency and animation. Below is what WebP is best at, where it falls short, and how it compares — plus free, in-browser tools to convert WebP to and from other formats, with nothing uploaded.
WebP is the format Google built for the web in 2010. It compresses photos roughly 25–35% smaller than equivalent-quality JPEG, supports both lossy and lossless modes, alpha transparency, and animation — one format that replaces JPEG, PNG and GIF in most web contexts. Since 2020 every mainstream browser supports it, and it is now the pragmatic default for website images.
Compression
Lossy + lossless
Transparency
Yes
Animation
Yes
Browser display
All browsers
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
- 25–35% smaller than JPEG at the same visual quality
- Transparency in both lossy and lossless modes
- Supported by all modern browsers since 2020
Limitations
- Some desktop apps and older tools still cannot open it
- Beaten by AVIF and JPEG XL on pure compression
- Lossy mode caps out at 8-bit color
Best used for
- Website and e-commerce images
- Replacing JPEG+PNG with one format
- Animated stickers
Tools for WebP
Frequently asked questions
Is WebP lossy or lossless?+
WebP supports both: a lossy mode that trades a little detail for much smaller files, and a lossless mode that keeps every pixel. You choose per file.
Does WebP support transparency?+
Yes — WebP has an alpha channel, so it can store transparent areas. It also supports animation.
Can browsers open WebP files directly?+
Yes — every mainstream browser displays WebP natively.
How do I open or convert a WebP file for free?+
Drop your WebP file into the EditItAll converter and choose an output format — it decodes and re-encodes entirely in your browser, with nothing uploaded, no account and no watermark.