WebP
What WebP is, how it compares to PNG and JPG, and when to use it for screenshots.
WebP is a raster image format developed by Google for the web. Files use the .webp extension and the image/webp media type. It supports lossy compression based on the VP8 video codec, a separate lossless mode, an alpha channel for transparency, and animation.
One format covers what used to need three: lossy WebP replaces JPEG for photos, lossless WebP replaces PNG for graphics and screenshots, and animated WebP replaces GIF. At similar visual quality, WebP files are usually smaller than the JPEG or PNG equivalent, which is why websites and content delivery networks use it to speed up page loads.
Convert image formats
The Image Converter converts between WebP, PNG and JPG in the browser, and files stay on your device.
WebP vs PNG vs JPG
| WebP | PNG | JPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lossy | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lossless | Yes | Yes | No |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes | No |
| Animation | Yes | No | No |
| Support outside browsers | Varies | Universal | Universal |
Where WebP is used
- Images on websites and in web apps.
- Thumbnails and previews in content platforms.
- Screenshots embedded in documentation sites.
- Animated stickers and short loops.
Browser and tool support
All current major browsers display WebP. Recent versions of macOS open WebP in Preview and Finder. Support in older desktop apps, email clients, print services and some upload forms varies, so PNG or JPG remains safer for files sent outside the web.
Common mistakes
- Sending WebP to people or services that cannot open it.
- Using lossy WebP at low quality for screenshots with small text.
- Converting a JPEG to WebP and expecting artifacts to disappear.
Have an image to fix right now?
Convert a WebP to PNG or JPG with the Image Converter, or reduce its size with the Image Compressor.
Common questions
Should I use WebP for screenshots?
For web pages, yes, in lossless mode or at high quality. For email and documents, PNG or JPG is more compatible.
Does Temposhot export WebP?
Yes. Export settings… offers WebP, Website Capture can save WebP with quality 1 to 100, and documents export WebP pages.
Sources
Related resources
- Image converter: WebP, PNG and JPG conversion.
- Export formats: WebP and other session exports.
- Website Capture options: format and quality settings.
Taking the same screenshots again and again?
Temposhot captures a screen, window or area on a timer and exports the set as a PDF, images, ZIP or MP4. The free browser tools fix single images.
Related resources
Related terms
- PNGHow the PNG image format works, when to use it for screenshots, and how it compares to JPG and WebP.
- JPGHow JPG compression works, when to use it vs PNG and WebP, and common mistakes with lossy screenshot formats.
- AVIFWhat AVIF is, how it compares to JPG, PNG, and WebP, and when to use it for screenshots and images.
- Image CompressionWhat image compression is, lossy vs lossless explained, and common mistakes when compressing screenshots.
- Image FormatOverview of common image formats — PNG, JPG, WebP, AVIF — and when to use each.