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WebP

/wɛb piː/n.

Filed underPerformanceContent StrategyDesign

In brief · quick answer

A modern image format from Google offering 25-35% smaller files than JPEG at equivalent quality, with support for transparency and animation.

§ 1 Definition

WebP is an image format developed by Google, derived from the VP8 video codec. It provides lossy and lossless compression with transparency (alpha channel) and animation support. WebP achieves 25-35% size reduction over JPEG at the same SSIM quality index and is supported by 96% of browsers. It is the most widely compatible next-gen format and the safest default after JPEG.

§ 2 Compression Capabilities

Lossy WebP uses VP8 intra-frame encoding. Lossless WebP uses VP8L with dedicated entropy coding. Both outperform their JPEG and PNG counterparts. Animation support replaces GIF with significantly smaller files.

§ 3 Common Misunderstandings

WebP is NOT universally smaller than AVIF. AVIF typically beats WebP by another 20-30%. WebP is the compatibility champion, not the compression champion. Also, older Safari versions (before 14) and some desktop browsers lack support. Always provide JPEG/PNG fallbacks via <picture>.

§ 4 When to Use

Default format for photos and complex images when AVIF support is uncertain. Use lossless WebP for screenshots, diagrams, and images requiring pixel-perfect reproduction. Use animated WebP as a GIF replacement.

§ 5 Note

Browser support: ~96% globally. Encoding is slower than JPEG but decoding is comparable. Tools: cwebp, Sharp, Squoosh, ImageMagick.

§ 6 In code

<picture>
  <source srcset="/image.webp" type="image/webp">
  <img src="/image.jpg" alt="Description">
</picture>

§ 7 Common questions

Q. Is WebP always better than JPEG?: A. Usually. 25-35% smaller at equivalent quality. But for some high-frequency detail images, AVIF or JPEG XL may be better.

Key takeaways

25-35% smaller than JPEG.
Supports lossy, lossless, transparency, animation.
Safest next-gen format default (96% support).
Always provide JPEG fallback.

How Atomic Glue helps

Atomic Glue converts images to WebP in build pipelines and CDN configurations. Web Development services.

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# WebP

A modern image format from Google offering 25-35% smaller files than JPEG at equivalent quality, with support for transparency and animation.

Category: Performance (also: Content Strategy, Design)

Author: Atomic Glue Performance Team

## Definition

## Compression Capabilities

## Common Misunderstandings

## When to Use

## Note

Browser support: ~96% globally. Encoding is slower than JPEG but decoding is comparable. Tools: cwebp, Sharp, Squoosh, ImageMagick.

## In code

<picture>
  <source srcset="/image.webp" type="image/webp">
  <img src="/image.jpg" alt="Description">
</picture>

## Common questions

Q: Is WebP always better than JPEG?

A: Usually. 25-35% smaller at equivalent quality. But for some high-frequency detail images, AVIF or JPEG XL may be better.

## Key takeaways

25-35% smaller than JPEG.
Supports lossy, lossless, transparency, animation.
Safest next-gen format default (96% support).
Always provide JPEG fallback.

## Related entries

Last updated July 2026. Permalink: atomicglue.co/glossary/webp