WebP

WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that supports both lossy and lossless compression — typically producing smaller files than PNG or JPG at comparable quality.

WebP vs PNG vs JPG

WebP sits between PNG and JPG in terms of flexibility, offering advantages over both.

Compared to PNG, WebP lossless produces files that are roughly 20-30% smaller while preserving identical visual quality. Both formats support transparency, but WebP achieves it with less overhead. For screenshots with text and sharp UI edges, WebP lossless delivers the same pixel-perfect result as PNG in a smaller package.

Compared to JPG, WebP lossy produces files of similar or smaller size with fewer visible artifacts at the same compression level. JPG struggles with sharp edges and text — exactly the content found in most screenshots. WebP handles these better because its compression algorithm is not limited to the 8x8 block structure that causes JPG's characteristic blockiness.

The trade-off is that PNG and JPG are universally supported by every image viewer, editor, and platform. WebP support is now widespread in browsers but can still be spotty in older desktop applications, email clients, and some social media platforms.

Where WebP is used

• Web performance — WebP's smaller file sizes reduce page load time and bandwidth usage. Many content delivery networks and image optimization services convert to WebP automatically.
• Screenshot workflows — capture tools that output WebP lossless produce smaller archives without sacrificing the sharpness needed for text and UI content.
• Progressive web apps — WebP's combination of small size, transparency, and animation support makes it a natural fit for app-like web experiences.
• Documentation and knowledge bases — embedded screenshots in web-based documentation benefit from WebP's balance of quality and file size.
• Automated capture pipelines — batch screenshot tools that generate hundreds of images at once can significantly reduce storage and transfer costs by defaulting to WebP.

Browser and tool support

WebP is supported in Chrome, Firefox, Safari (version 14 and later), Edge, and all Chromium-based browsers. This covers the vast majority of web users.

On the tooling side, support has grown steadily. Most modern image editors, design tools, and capture utilities can open and save WebP. Operating system-level support varies — macOS and Windows both handle WebP in their default image viewers, though some older versions may require updates.

For workflows that require universal compatibility, a common approach is to use WebP as the primary format and provide a PNG or JPG fallback for environments where WebP is not supported. Some capture tools handle this automatically, saving in WebP by default while offering one-click export to other formats.

Common mistakes

• Using WebP lossy for text-heavy screenshots. WebP lossy can introduce subtle artifacts around sharp edges, just like JPG. For screenshots with readable text, use WebP lossless to preserve clarity.
• Assuming all recipients can open WebP. While browser support is strong, some email clients, older office suites, and legacy systems may not render WebP. Know your audience before choosing the format.
• Not taking advantage of lossless mode. Many users associate WebP with lossy compression only. WebP lossless is a direct, smaller replacement for PNG and should be the default for screenshot workflows.
• Re-encoding from JPG to WebP and expecting quality gains. Converting a lossy JPG to WebP cannot restore the quality already lost. Always convert from the original lossless source for the best result.