Both file types compress images to make them easier to share and store. However, a WebP file is generally much smaller than a traditional
JPEG. Google’s developers suggest that a WebP image with lossy compression could be 25% to 34% smaller than a comparable JPEG file.
After years of development and evolution, most web browsers support the WebP format. But some browsers, like Internet Explorer, may still struggle to support a WebP file, so it’s always worth checking Google’s latest compatibility list.
WebP is an open-source model, which means anyone can work on the format and make improvements to it. Google’s developers have actively encouraged users to offer their input since its launch in 2010.
The maximum size of WebP images is 16,383 x 16,383 pixels. This may be a factor to consider before you add WebP images to a website or elsewhere.
WebP images are a type of
raster file. Raster is one of the two main categories of image files — the other being vector. The main difference between the two is that raster files consist of individual pixels whereas vector graphics consist of mathematical equations and paths. Find out more in our
raster vs. vector comparison guide.