What Is WebP and When Should You Use It?

The practical idea

WebP is a modern web image format designed to provide efficient compression for web delivery. The best setting depends on where the image will be used, the amount of detail it contains, and whether transparency or very small file size is important.

Start with the destination

Choose dimensions and format based on the final destination rather than repeatedly converting the same file. Keeping an untouched high-quality original makes it easier to produce new versions later.

Check the result visually

File size and dimensions are measurable, but visible quality is still important. Compare the processed image at the size where people will actually see it.

Avoid unnecessary processing

Repeated lossy compression can accumulate visible artifacts. Whenever possible, create each delivery version from a clean original rather than from an already compressed derivative.