How to Convert PNG to WebP (And Why You Should)
PNG is the safe default a lot of people never move on from. WebP does the same job in a smaller file, most of the time.
PNG became the default "safe" image format for a lot of people because it's lossless and handles transparency reliably - both still true, but WebP does the same job in a meaningfully smaller file for most content, which matters if the image is going anywhere near a website.
What WebP actually offers over PNG
- Smaller file sizes than PNG at comparable visual quality, often substantially so for photographic content
- Support for transparency, the same as PNG - nothing is lost by switching
- Broad support across modern browsers, making it a safe default for new web images
How to convert
- Open a PNG to WebP converter and upload your file.
- Convert - the transparency and visual content carry over.
- Download and compare file sizes against the original PNG, especially if the image has a lot of photographic detail rather than flat color.
When PNG is still the better choice
If a specific destination - certain design software, an older platform, a print workflow - explicitly expects PNG, keep the PNG for that use case rather than converting everything by default. For general web use, though, WebP is the more practical default going forward.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting PNG to WebP lose the transparency?
No - WebP supports transparency the same way PNG does, so a PNG with a transparent background converts to WebP without losing that transparency.
Is WebP supported everywhere PNG is?
Modern browsers support WebP broadly at this point. The more common thing to check is whether a specific platform you're uploading to (some older CMS plugins, certain print or design software) expects PNG specifically - worth verifying the destination before converting everything.
How much smaller is WebP than PNG, typically?
It varies by image content, but WebP files are commonly 25-50% smaller than an equivalent PNG at similar visual quality, particularly for photographic content rather than simple flat-color graphics.