The WebP format, created by Google teams in 2010, is revolutionizing image management on the web thanks to its intelligent compression technology.
Its strength? A drastic reduction in file size while preserving impeccable image quality. WebP allows for lossy or lossless compression, providing flexibility based on specific needs.
In practice, tests show an impressive reduction: WebP files weigh on average 26% less than their PNG equivalents, which speeds up the loading of websites and improves the user experience.
What are the benefits of the WebP format for SEO?
The WebP format offers major advantages for improving a website’s SEO. By effectively optimizing image sizes, it helps reduce page load times, a key factor in natural referencing. A fast site is favored by Google because it offers a better user experience, particularly on mobile where connections can be slow. The efficiency of the WebP format becomes a competitive advantage.
WebP images support transparency and animation, features often required for modern content. This versatility, coupled with high image quality at a low file size, positions WebP as a strategic ally for web professionals.
Performance optimization directly contributes to better indexing by search engines, thus increasing the visibility of the site.
Rigorous technical implementation remains essential to guarantee optimal accessibility.
What are the limitations of the WebP format?
The WebP format offers excellent performance but has some limitations that you should be aware of. One of the main ones is incomplete compatibility with some older browsers. Despite support in most modern browsers, older versions of Safari, Firefox, or Edge may have difficulty displaying WebP images correctly. Considering fallback solutions , such as using alternative formats like JPEG or PNG, is highly recommended.
Another limitation is the lack of progressive rendering, giving JPG the advantage in initial display speed.
Not all graphic design software supports WebP, although tools like Photoshop have it built-in.
Not all content management systems (CMS) natively support WebP and require plugins to be installed. Thoroughly analyze your technical environment before adopting WebP.
How to convert your images to WebP format?
To convert to WebP format, learn the main conversion methods:
- Use an online converter: Platforms like Online Convert or Convertio allow you to convert images to WebP for free. The process is simple: upload your file, select WebP as the output format, and start the conversion.
- Desktop software: For large-scale or offline conversions, tools like GIMP or Photoshop (with a WebP plugin) can be used. Import your image, then export it using WebP as the format.
- Using scripts: To automate the process, you can use command-line scripts. For example, with ImageMagick, you can run the following command:
convert image.jpg image.webp
Which browsers support WebP format?
The WebP format is now compatible with all major browsers on the market: Chrome adopted it in version 23, followed by Edge (v.18), Firefox (v.65) and more recently Safari (v.14). These browsers ensure perfect support for the format, thus guaranteeing an optimal user experience.
