What Is the WebP Format and How to Avoid It
The WebP format is a new image format that offers lossless and lossy compression for images on the web. This format is supported by Google and is becoming increasingly popular. However, there are some drawbacks to using this format, including the fact that it is not yet supported by all browsers and devices. In this article, we’ll take a look at what the WebP format is and how to avoid it.
Table of Contents
What Is the WebP Format and How to Avoid It
What is the WebP format?
The WebP format is a new image format developed by Google. It offers lossless and lossy compression for images on the web. Lossless compression means that the image quality is not degraded when the image is compressed. Lossy compression means that some image quality is lost when the image is compressed. The WebP format offers both lossless and lossy compression, so you can choose the best option for your needs.
How to avoid the WebP format
There are a few ways to avoid the WebP format:
1. Use a different image format.
There are many image formats available, such as JPEG, PNG, and GIF. WebP is just one option. If you don’t want to use WebP, you can choose to use a different image format.
2. Use an image converter.
There are many image converters available that can convert images from one format to another. If you have an image in WebP format that you want to use, you can convert it to another format, such as JPEG or PNG.
3. Use an image editor.
Some image editors, such as Adobe Photoshop, can open and save images in different formats. If you have an image in WebP format that you want to use, you can open it in an image editor and save it in a different format.
Conclusion
WebP is a file format for images that employs both lossy and lossless compression. Lossy compression means that some of the image data is discarded in order to achieve a smaller file size. Lossless compression means that all of the image data is retained. WebP files are typically smaller than comparable JPEG or PNG files, making them ideal for use on the web.
One potential downside of the WebP format is that not all web browsers support it. As of September 2019, Microsoft Edge is the only major browser that does not support WebP. This means that images in the WebP format may not display correctly in Edge. However, there are workarounds that allow WebP images to be displayed in all browsers, including Edge.
In conclusion, WebP is a file format that can offer significant advantages in terms of file size. However, it is important to be aware of the browser compatibility issue before using WebP images on the web.
Further reading
If you’re interested in learning more about the WebP format, we’ve put together a few resources that you might find helpful.
WebP Lossless Compression Explained: This article provides a high-level overview of how the lossless compression algorithm used in the WebP format works.
The Difference Between WebP and JPEG: This article discusses the key differences between the WebP and JPEG formats, including compression levels, file size, and quality.
Why You Should Avoid WebP Images: This article covers some of the potential drawbacks of using the WebP format, such as compatibility issues and the lack of support from certain browsers and devices.
