WebP can reduce bytes, but compatibility still matters
WebP supports photographic compression, lossless output, and alpha transparency. It can produce smaller files than an equivalent PNG or JPEG for many images, especially on websites that can rely on modern browser support.
Some older browsers, desktop applications, content-management workflows, and image viewers still work more predictably with PNG or JPEG. Check the destination before replacing every asset with WebP.
PNG is the safer lossless and transparency default
PNG preserves stored pixels losslessly and is widely understood by design tools, browsers, and document workflows. It is often a better choice for screenshots, interface graphics, icons, and images with text or transparency when compatibility matters.
A JPEG conversion flattens transparency and adds lossy compression. It can be efficient for photos, but repeated JPEG re-encoding is not a good way to keep crisp graphics pristine.
Lossless output cannot recover detail the source already lost
A lossless WebP or PNG made from a JPEG still contains the JPEG artifacts in its pixels. The “lossless” label means the new encoder does not add another lossy compression stage; it does not restore the original photograph.
For artwork that must stay transparent or crisp, start from a clean PNG or SVG source. For a photo intended for a website, compare actual byte size and visible quality at the final display dimensions.
- Use WebP when the destination supports it and smaller delivery files matter.
- Use PNG for transparency, screenshots, and maximum compatibility.
- Use JPG for opaque photographic content when JPEG is expected.
- Keep SVG as the source for vector artwork and export raster sizes as needed.