Format at a glance
- Full name
- WebP Image Format
- File extensions
- .webp
- MIME types
- image/webp
- Category
- Images
- Compression
- Lossless and lossy
- Transparency
- Yes
- Animation
- Yes
- Properties
- Alpha channel, Animation, Color profiles
Suitable tools
What is this format?
WebP is an image format developed by Google and stored in a RIFF-based container. A WebP file may use lossy predictive coding or a separate lossless coding mode.
The format can carry an alpha channel, color-profile metadata and multiple frames. Whether all metadata survives a conversion depends on the encoder and chosen settings.
What is it used for?
- Website photographs and thumbnails
- Transparent web graphics
- Short animated illustrations and stickers
- Reducing image payloads while retaining a single broadly supported web format
Which programs can open it?
- Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari
- GIMP, Krita, Affinity Photo and recent Adobe Photoshop versions
- Windows Photos and recent macOS Preview versions
- ImageMagick and web-development image pipelines
Support across devices and browsers
Current browsers and many image applications open WebP; older system viewers may need an extension.
Current Safari and recent system applications support WebP.
Browsers and common open-source image tools generally support WebP.
Android browsers and image APIs broadly support WebP.
Current Safari and recent iOS applications support WebP.
Current major browsers support lossy, lossless, transparent and animated WebP.
Advantages
- Supports lossy and lossless compression
- Supports alpha transparency and animation
- Often smaller than JPEG or PNG for equivalent web use
Disadvantages
- Some older desktop applications cannot open it
- Re-encoding lossy WebP can reduce quality
- Complex animated WebP files can require more decoding work
Comparison with alternatives
WebP adds transparency and animation and is often smaller; JPEG remains safer for older software.
Lossless WebP can replace many PNG assets at smaller sizes, while PNG remains simpler and universally recognized.
AVIF can be more efficient for some images; WebP generally encodes faster and has mature browser support.
LocalFileLab support
Decoded locally in the browser.
Can be encoded as WebP; animated image inputs use the FFmpeg/WASM path.
Can be resized and re-encoded with an adjustable quality setting.
Static WebP can be previewed directly; animation playback depends on browser support.
Compatible metadata can be preserved on supported conversion paths or removed for a smaller private file.
Related formats
Frequently asked questions
Is WebP always lossy?
No. WebP defines both lossy and lossless coding modes.
Can WebP replace GIF?
It can store animation and often compresses better, but the receiving application must support animated WebP.
Can WebP have transparency?
Yes. Both lossy and lossless WebP files can include an alpha channel.