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What is WebP, and why do websites use it?

WebP is a modern image format from Google that makes photos and graphics noticeably smaller than JPG or PNG at the same visual quality, so pages load faster.

WebP is an image format built for the web. It stores the same picture in a smaller file than older formats, which helps your pages load faster, especially on phones. All major current browsers display it.

How much smaller it is

Google, which created the format, reports that:

  • lossless WebP images are about 26% smaller than PNGs;
  • lossy WebP images are about 25 to 34% smaller than comparable JPEGs at the same quality.

"Lossy" means the file drops detail your eye is unlikely to notice. "Lossless" means nothing is lost. WebP can do either, and it also supports transparent backgrounds and animation, so it can replace JPG, PNG and many GIFs.

What this means for you

  • You do not need to make WebP files. Send us your original photos. We convert them and keep your originals.
  • Keep the originals. Use JPG, PNG or the original camera file for printing, editing and archiving. WebP is for showing images on screen.
  • Opening a WebP on your computer. Most current web browsers and photo apps can open WebP. If an app cannot, open the image in a browser or ask us for the original.

Common problems

  • If you downloaded an image from your site and it saved as .webp, that is the web copy. Ask us for the original if you need it for print.
  • If a printer or designer asks for a JPG or PNG, send the original file, not the WebP.
  • If an older app will not open a WebP file, try opening it in your web browser instead.

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What is WebP, and why do websites use it? | Website Wannabe Support