WebP is a modern image format designed for the web. It typically produces smaller files than JPG or PNG at the same visual quality — and it supports both transparency and animation. So should you switch?
When WebP is the right call
- Websites. Smaller images load faster and improve Core Web Vitals. Converting your JPGs with JPG to WebP often saves 25–35%.
- Transparent graphics. WebP keeps transparency like PNG but at a fraction of the size — use PNG to WebP.
When to avoid it
- Sending to an unknown recipient. A few older apps still don't open WebP. If you're emailing a file to someone whose software you don't know, JPG is safer.
- Legacy print workflows that expect JPG or TIFF.
Opening a WebP you were given
Downloaded a WebP that won't open? Convert it back:
- WebP to JPG for maximum compatibility (drops transparency).
- WebP to PNG to keep transparency, lossless.
The short version
Use WebP for anything on the web; keep JPG for universal sharing. Every conversion here runs in your browser, so your images never upload.