WebP vs JPG: which one should you use?
Choose from the delivery requirements and the image itself; neither format is the best answer for every export.
Decision table
| Decision | WebP | JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Supported in lossless WebP. | No alpha channel. |
| Compatibility | Broad in current browsers; check older consumers. | Deep, universal historical support. |
| Photographic content | Compare a lossy WebP when download weight matters. | Reliable delivery choice for still photographs. |
| Iterative editing | Keep a lossless master. Repeated lossy exports can accumulate artifacts in either format. | |
A reproducible local workflow
- Start from the same original file, not a prior lossy export.
- Export one WebP at quality 80 and one JPEG at quality 85 without changing dimensions.
- Compare file sizes, then inspect faces, text, gradients, and sharp edges at 100% zoom.
- Keep the smallest output that passes the destination’s format check and your visual check.
Before you publish
- Use WebP when transparency or modern web delivery matters.
- Use JPEG when the receiving system explicitly asks for it.
- Open the final file in the real destination before deleting the master.
Sources
Each source applies only to the claim described beside its link.
- MDN: Image file type and format guide — Supports the format comparison: JPEG is lossy and has no alpha channel; WebP can be lossy or lossless, supports transparency, and has broad current browser support with less historical depth.Source checked:
FAQ
Do you upload my images?
No. Processing happens locally in your browser. Your files are not uploaded.
What size should I use?
Use the recommended size.
Which export format should I use?
JPG for photos, PNG for text/logos or transparency, WebP for smaller files (if supported).
Crop vs Pad — what is the difference?
Crop fills the target size (may cut edges). Pad fits the whole image and adds background/space.
How do I protect text and logos?
Keep important content centered and avoid placing critical text at the edges.
Can I batch resize?
Yes. Use the Batch Resizer to apply the same size to many images.