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What Is WebP? – Google's Modern Image Format Explained

WebP delivers smaller files with better quality for web images. Learn how it works, browser support, and when to use it.

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Quick Answer

WebP is a modern image format from Google that compresses web images better than older formats. Its files are 25-35% smaller than JPG and PNG at equivalent quality, and it supports lossy and lossless compression, transparency and animation. More than 97% of web browsers support it.

What Is WebP?

WebP (pronounced "weppy") is an image format developed by Google and first released in 2010. It compresses images with VP8 (lossy) and VP8L (lossless) technology from the WebM video project. Google designed it for the web, to make image files smaller and pages load faster.

How WebP Works

WebP compresses images with predictive coding. In lossy mode it predicts each pixel's value from the surrounding pixels and stores only the differences. In lossless mode it uses a variant of the LZ77 algorithm with prefix coding, similar to PNG but more efficient. WebP also supports:

  • An alpha channel with full 8-bit transparency
  • Animation, with multiple frames that each have their own timing
  • Lossy and lossless data in the same file if needed
  • ICC color profiles, for consistent color across devices
  • EXIF metadata with camera and photo information

Key Characteristics

FeatureDetail
DeveloperGoogle
First released2010
CompressionVP8 (lossy) and VP8L (lossless)
File size vs JPG25-35% smaller at equivalent quality
File size vs PNG25-35% smaller in lossless mode
TransparencyYes (full alpha channel)
AnimationYes (native, high quality)
Browser supportChrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari 14+, Opera
LicensingRoyalty-free (BSD-style)

When to Use WebP

  • Website images, where smaller files load faster
  • Progressive web apps that need good web performance
  • Animated graphics, replacing GIF with better quality and smaller files
  • CDN-hosted assets, to cut bandwidth and storage costs
  • Mobile-focused sites, so visitors on cellular data use less data

When to Avoid WebP

  • Print production, since most print workflows don't support WebP
  • Legacy applications, as old software may not open WebP files
  • Email attachments, because some email clients can't display WebP
  • Social media uploads, where platforms may re-compress or reject WebP

Try It Now

Convert images to and from WebP in your browser, with no software to install and no uploads to a server.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is WebP supported by all browsers?

WebP is supported by Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Safari 14+ (released September 2020). This covers over 97% of global web traffic. The only unsupported browsers are very old versions and some specialized embedded browsers.

Is WebP better than JPG?

For web delivery, WebP is better than JPG in most cases. WebP produces 25-35% smaller files than JPG at equivalent visual quality. WebP also supports transparency and animation, which JPG does not. The main advantage of JPG is universal compatibility with every application ever made.

Can I use WebP for print?

WebP is not recommended for print. Most print shops, design software, and print workflows expect JPG, PNG, or TIFF files. Convert WebP to JPG or PNG before sending files to a printer.

Does WebP support animation?

Yes. Animated WebP is supported by all browsers that support static WebP. Animated WebPs are typically 60-70% smaller than equivalent GIFs, support 24-bit color (vs GIF's 256 colors), and offer full alpha transparency. Animated WebP is an excellent replacement for GIF.