What Is WebP and Why Should You Use It?
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior compression for images on the web. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, as well as transparency (like PNG) and animation (like GIF), all in a single format.
Compared to traditional formats, WebP consistently produces smaller file sizes without a visible drop in quality - making it the go-to format for fast-loading websites and apps.
WebP vs Other Formats
WebP vs PNG
PNG uses lossless compression, which preserves every pixel but produces large files. WebP lossy compression can reduce the same image by 25-35% while remaining nearly indistinguishable to the human eye. For transparency, WebP lossless beats PNG in size too.
WebP vs JPEG
JPEG has been the web photo standard for decades. WebP achieves the same perceived quality at roughly 25-34% smaller file sizes. This directly translates to faster page loads and lower bandwidth costs.
WebP vs GIF
Animated GIFs are notoriously bloated. Animated WebP files are typically 64% smaller than the equivalent GIF with better colour depth and smoother playback.
How the Quality Slider Works
The quality setting (1-100) controls the lossy compression level applied during conversion:
- 80-90 - Best for most use cases. Excellent visual quality with significant size savings.
- 60-79 - Good for thumbnails, previews, or backgrounds where file size matters most.
- 90-100 - Near-lossless. Useful for detailed graphics or images that will be re-edited.
- Below 60 - Noticeable compression artifacts. Only suitable for small decorative images.
How to Convert Images to WebP
- Drop one or more image files onto the drop zone, or click Browse Files.
- Adjust the Quality slider if needed.
- Click Convert - results appear in the list with size and savings info.
- Download images individually or grab them all as a ZIP.
Supported Input Formats
This tool converts any image format your browser can decode, which includes:
- PNG - Lossless images, screenshots, graphics with transparency
- JPEG / JPG - Photographs and general-purpose images
- GIF - Simple graphics and animations (static frame converted)
- BMP - Uncompressed bitmap images
- AVIF - Next-gen format supported in modern browsers
- SVG - Vector graphics (rasterised at display size)
- WEBP - Re-encode existing WebP files at a different quality
Privacy & Security
Your images never leave your device. The conversion happens entirely inside your browser using the Canvas API - no files are uploaded to any server, no account is needed, and there are no usage limits. You can even disconnect from the internet after the page loads and the tool will still work.
Browser Support
WebP encoding via the Canvas API is supported in all modern browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox (since v96), Safari (since v14), and Opera. If you are on an older browser that does not support WebP encoding, the download button will remain disabled for that file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does converting to WebP reduce image quality?
At quality 80 and above, the difference is typically invisible to the eye. The default setting of 85 is a widely used sweet spot for web images.
Can I convert multiple images at once?
Yes. Drop as many images as you like - each appears as a row in the list with its own download button once converted.
What happens to my images after I convert them?
Nothing - they stay on your device. This tool does not upload, store, or share any image data.
Why is my WebP file larger than the original?
This can happen with very small images, already-compressed JPEGs at low quality, or simple graphics. Try increasing the quality setting slightly, or use the original format for those specific files.
Does this support animated GIF to animated WebP?
Currently the tool converts the first frame of animated images. Animated WebP conversion requires frame-by-frame processing that will be added in a future update.