WebP vs PNG: what’s the difference?
WebP, released by Google in 2010, offers both lossy and lossless compression, transparency and animation. In Google’s own tests lossy WebP is about 25–34% smaller than comparable JPEGs and lossless WebP about 26% smaller than PNG. Every current browser displays it, but some older programs and upload forms still reject it. PNG is lossless, so every pixel is kept exactly; it supports full alpha transparency and is ideal for logos, screenshots and graphics with text. A photo saved as PNG, however, is usually several times larger than the same photo as JPG.
When to convert WebP to PNG
Pick PNG over JPG when the WebP has transparency (stickers, logos, product cut-outs) or sharp text, since PNG keeps both without loss. A lossy WebP will not regain detail as a PNG, and the file usually grows several times larger. Animated WebP files are converted as a single frame.
WebP Converter
How to use
- 1Drop images in any format your browser can open (JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, SVG, AVIF…).
- 2Choose the output format: WebP, PNG, JPEG or AVIF (when your browser supports encoding it).
- 3Adjust quality for lossy formats.
- 4Download the converted files.
Why convert to WebP
WebP is supported by every modern browser and is typically 25–35% smaller than JPEG and much smaller than PNG at comparable quality, while still supporting transparency. Google’s speed tools specifically recommend serving images in next-gen formats, and smaller images mean faster LCP. AVIF compresses even better (often 20%+ beyond WebP) but encodes slower; in-browser AVIF export works only in browsers that support encoding it.
Which format for which image
Photos: WebP or AVIF, or JPEG for maximum compatibility with email and older software. Logos, icons and screenshots with sharp edges or transparency: WebP at high quality or PNG. Vector logos are best kept as SVG on the web; convert SVG to PNG only when a platform demands a bitmap. Converting WebP to JPG or PNG is useful when an app, marketplace or print shop doesn’t accept WebP.
Limitations to know
Everything runs locally via the browser’s canvas, so the inputs you can open depend on your browser: animated GIFs are converted from their first frame only, and HEIC (iPhone photos) works only in browsers that can decode it, such as Safari. JPEG has no transparency — transparent areas become a solid background when converting PNG to JPG.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting to WebP reduce quality?
At quality 80–90 the difference is not visible for most images. Converting a JPEG to WebP can’t restore detail lost earlier, so start from the best original you have.
How do I convert WebP to JPG?
Drop the WebP file in, choose JPEG as the output, set the quality and download.
Are my images uploaded?
No. All conversion happens in your browser; files never leave your device.
Can I convert an iPhone HEIC photo?
Only if your browser can decode HEIC (Safari on Apple devices can). Otherwise, set your iPhone camera to “Most Compatible” to shoot JPEG.
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