WEBP is a file format developed by Google that is used for storing digital images. It is an abbreviation for "Web Picture" or "WebP image format."
WEBP is designed to provide efficient compression of images while maintaining good image quality. It utilizes both lossy and lossless compression techniques, allowing for a balance between image size reduction and preservation of image details. The format supports various image features like transparency (alpha channel), animation, and metadata.
One of the key advantages of WEBP is its smaller file size compared to other image formats like JPEG and PNG. This allows for faster loading times on web pages, reducing bandwidth consumption and improving the overall user experience. The format achieves this compression efficiency through a combination of advanced compression algorithms, such as predictive coding, variable block sizes, and entropy coding.
WEBP is widely supported by modern web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. However, it may not be as widely supported by older browsers and legacy applications. To ensure compatibility, some websites may still use alternative formats alongside WEBP.
Overall, WEBP is a versatile and efficient file format for web images, offering smaller file sizes without significant quality loss. Its adoption has helped improve the performance and accessibility of images on the web.
