Implementing Webp file format for on your website will create few advantages over other formats like JPEG, PNG, or even GIF:
- The files are smaller
• Lossy Compression: Webp images are typically 25% – 35% smaller in compared to JPEG of similar image format.
• Lossless Compression: Webp images are ±30% smaller compared to PNG, while using transparency photos.
• Smaller file sizes reduce the bandwidth usage and improve website loading, which is important for mobile users or websites with heavy image content. - It will support both lossy and lossless compression
• The flexibility to choose lossy compression (like JPEG) or lossless compression (PNG) based on your specific needs. - While using transparency (Alpha Channel)
• Similar to PNG format, webp supports transparency (alpha channel), but at a smaller file size than the PNG.
• It is ideal for images requiring a transparent background, like logos or overlays on your new website. - Animation
• Webp supports animated images, like animated GIF for example, but with smaller file sizes. This new format will reduce the page load time for website pages with animations. - Improved your Website Performance
• Fast loading time will improve user experience (UX), SEO rankings & rates.
• Lightweight images are critical for mobile users & also for Core Web metrics (Google’s measure for web performance). - Wide range of browser support
• Webp format is supported by all major browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari (starting from V 14).
• It makes it an optional for advanced websites, though fallback solutions may be needed for older browsers. - Environment Benefits (ESG)
• Smaller images will reduce the amount of data transferred on the global network, lowering energy usage and reducing your website carbon footprint. - Supported on advanced Tools
• Most modern CMS platforms (for example: WordPress) and image optimization tools support webp, making it easy to integrate into your website workflow.
When to use webp?
• As San Interactive advise – use webp for all images on your responsive design website to improve speed and reduce bandwidth.
• Stick to other formats only for niche cases (Only if needed):
SVG format for vector graphics.
HEIC format for certain specific uses (mostly for Apple ecosystem).
Fallback formats for older browser compatibility (If Needed).
By adopting Webp, you can achieve a faster website performance and a better overall user experience (UX/UI) while saving storage and bandwidth.
