WebP (WebP) is a WebP format commonly used for web photos, transparent web graphics, animated stickers. This guide covers compatibility, compression, transparency, and conversion choices.
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Transparency | alpha |
| Animation | native |
| Primary uses | web delivery, transparent web graphics, animated web images |
Extension
.webp
Compression
both
Browser support
modern_major
Inventor
Inventor organization
Origin year
2010
Lossy and lossless modes
Alpha support
Animation support
Less universal than JPG/PNG in old software
Not ideal as sole master format
WebP is a modern web image format that supports lossy compression, lossless compression, alpha transparency, and animation. It is useful when you want smaller web images without giving up features normally split across JPG, PNG, and GIF.
WebP originated at Google as a web-focused image format based around VP8-derived coding and later gained broad browser support.
Convert JPG/PNG/GIF to WebP for smaller web delivery. Convert WebP back to JPG or PNG when a recipient, CMS, or older app does not accept WebP.
WebP can be lossy or lossless. Choose lossless WebP for graphics/transparency, lossy WebP for photo delivery.
WebP can carry Exif, XMP, and ICC metadata. Decide whether to preserve metadata or strip it for privacy and smaller output.
Strong browser and web tooling support; older desktop workflows may need conversion.
format slug
webp
inventor
strengths
Lossy and lossless modes, Alpha support, Animation support
use cases
web delivery, transparent web graphics, animated web images
weaknesses
Less universal than JPG/PNG in old software, Not ideal as sole master format
color depth
Commonly 8 bits per channel in web workflows.
compression
both
origin year
2010
standard owner
IETF / Google-origin format
browser support
modern_major
metadata support
Exif, XMP, ICC
software support
Strong browser and web tooling support; older desktop workflows may need conversion.
animation support
native
compression method
VP8-derived lossy coding and WebP lossless coding in RIFF
best source formats
jpg, png, gif
best target formats
jpg, png, avif
transparency support
alpha
inventor organization
WebP transparency support is: alpha. Choose a target format with alpha support when transparent backgrounds matter.
Convert WebP when another format better matches compatibility, file size, transparency, metadata, or editing needs.
For many web photos, WebP can be smaller at similar visual quality, but JPG is still more universal in older workflows.
Yes. Animated WebP can replace some GIF workflows with smaller files.
Use PNG when you need lossless compatibility or software that does not support WebP.
Google for Developers - official_vendor_doc
IETF - official_spec
MDN Web Docs - browser_documentation
ExifTool - library_documentation
sharp - library_documentation