Converting images to WebP: when it helps and how to do it

WebP is an image format that usually produces smaller files than JPEG or PNG for the same visible quality. Every current major browser shows it, which makes it a good default for websites. It is not always the right choice, though, and converting the wrong way can make files larger.

When WebP helps

• Photos on websites: a WebP is often noticeably smaller than a JPEG at a similar quality setting.
• Graphics with transparency: WebP keeps transparency like PNG, but can be much smaller.
• Screenshots: lossy WebP shrinks them well; check that small text stays crisp.

When to keep JPEG or PNG

• Images you will email or attach to forms: some older software and services still reject WebP.
• Files you will keep editing: re-saving any lossy format repeatedly adds artefacts. Keep a PNG or the original as your master copy.
• Pixel-exact graphics such as icons in an app: PNG stores every pixel exactly.

Converting step by step

1. Open the Image Converter and add your images. Several at once is fine.
2. Choose WebP and a quality. 80 to 90 suits most photos; for graphics with flat colours, try lower.
3. Convert and compare the sizes listed next to each file. Download them one by one or as a ZIP.

Why renaming is not converting

Changing photo.jpg to photo.webp only changes the label. The data is still JPEG, and programs that check the content will treat it as one, or refuse it. A real conversion decodes the image and encodes it again in the new format, which is what the converter does. It also reads each file’s real format from its contents, so a misnamed file is handled correctly.

What about AVIF?

AVIF often compresses better than WebP, but encoding it is slower and support for saving it varies between browsers. Viewing AVIF is widely supported. If your browser can save it, the converter offers it; if not, the option is disabled rather than quietly producing another format.