WebP
A next-gen format by Google with both lossy and lossless modes. Better efficiency than JPEG and PNG.
WebP is an image format from Google (2010) designed to improve web image delivery efficiency. It applies VP8 video codec keyframe compression to still images, supporting both lossy and lossless modes in a single container.
In lossy mode, WebP achieves 25-34% smaller files than JPEG at equivalent quality. Lossless mode produces files about 26% smaller than PNG. This efficiency comes from VP8-derived techniques: macroblock prediction, adaptive block quantization, and boolean arithmetic coding.
- Dual modes: Lossy for photos, lossless for graphics - one format covers both use cases
- Alpha channel: Transparency even in lossy mode, enabling "photo + transparency" impossible with JPEG
- Animation: Animated WebP replaces GIF with higher quality and smaller size
- Metadata: Stores EXIF, XMP, and ICC profiles within its RIFF container
All major browsers support WebP, eliminating web compatibility concerns. However, native support in editing tools like Photoshop is less universal than JPEG or PNG. Compared to AVIF, WebP has slightly lower compression efficiency but significantly faster encoding and a more mature toolchain.