You've probably come across images with a .webp extension while browsing the web. Modern browsers handle them seamlessly, but older software or some apps may not be able to open them. Here's everything you need to know about WebP — what it is, how it stacks up against JPG and PNG, and when to use it.
What Is WebP?
WebP is an image format developed by Google, released in 2010. It was designed specifically to speed up web page loading by producing smaller file sizes than older formats at equivalent visual quality. According to Google, WebP images are roughly 25–35% smaller than JPGs and up to 50% smaller than PNGs at comparable quality.
All major browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge — now support WebP, and its use on the web has grown rapidly.
JPG vs PNG vs WebP
| Feature | JPG | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless | Both |
| File size | Medium | Large | Small |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | No (except APNG) | Yes |
| Browser support | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ (modern browsers) |
| Software/app support | ◎ | ◎ | △ (older tools may not support it) |
| Printing & publishing | ◎ | ◎ | △ (often unsupported) |
Lossy vs. Lossless Compression
One of WebP's key advantages is that it supports both lossy and lossless compression:
- Lossy WebP: Like JPG, it reduces quality slightly to achieve smaller files. Best for photographs.
- Lossless WebP: Like PNG, it preserves full quality. Best for logos, icons, and screenshots.
In other words, WebP can fill both the role of JPG and PNG — making it a versatile, all-in-one web format.
Advantages of WebP
Smaller file sizes
WebP images are 25–35% smaller than JPGs at equivalent quality. This means faster page load times, a better user experience, and lower bandwidth usage — especially on mobile connections.
Transparency with smaller size
PNG supports transparency but tends to produce large files. Lossless WebP achieves transparency with significantly smaller file sizes than PNG, making it ideal for transparent graphics on the web.
Animation support
WebP supports animation, making it a modern alternative to GIF. Animated WebP files offer better image quality and smaller file sizes than GIFs.
Limitations of WebP
Not supported by all software
Older versions of Windows Photo Viewer, early versions of Photoshop and Lightroom, and some image editors don't support WebP. It's also rarely accepted by print services or for professional publishing submissions.
Not used by smartphone cameras
iPhone cameras save photos in HEIC format; Android cameras typically use JPG. WebP is a delivery and display format — it's not used by device cameras for capturing images.
When Should You Use WebP?
| Use case | Recommended format |
|---|---|
| Website or blog images | WebP (fastest loading) |
| Sharing via email or messaging | JPG (best compatibility) |
| Social media posts | JPG (WebP also works) |
| Printing or professional publishing | JPG or PNG |
| Transparent graphics for the web | WebP (lossless) |
| Long-term archiving | JPG or PNG |
WebP is the best choice when your goal is to display an image on a website. For sharing, printing, or any scenario where compatibility matters, JPG is the safer choice.
How to Convert to WebP
Using a browser-based tool
FileConv lets you convert JPG or PNG images to WebP directly in your browser. Just drag and drop your files — no installation needed, and nothing is uploaded to any server.
You can also go the other direction: if you receive a WebP file and need it as JPG or PNG, FileConv handles that conversion too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can iPhones display WebP images?
Yes. Safari on iOS 14 and later supports WebP. iPhones can display WebP images in browsers (Safari, Chrome) without any issues. However, the native Photos app may not open WebP files directly.
Does converting to WebP reduce quality?
Lossy WebP conversion introduces slight quality loss, similar to JPG. At high quality settings, the difference is negligible for most purposes. Lossless WebP has no quality loss at all.
Is WebP safe for long-term storage?
For archiving purposes, JPG or PNG are safer choices. WebP is a relatively new format, and there's a small risk that support could decline over decades. The recommended approach is to use WebP for web delivery and keep originals in JPG, PNG, or HEIC for long-term storage.
Summary
- WebP is Google's web-optimized image format, offering 25–35% smaller files than JPG
- It supports both lossy and lossless compression, as well as transparency and animation
- WebP is ideal for websites, but JPG remains better for email, printing, and sharing
- Older software may not support WebP — always check compatibility for your use case
- FileConv converts JPG/PNG to WebP and back, entirely in your browser