PNG or WebP: which should I use?

Use WebP for most images on the web. Use PNG when a tool or workflow still needs PNG files.

What is the difference between PNG and WebP?

Both can store lossless pixels and transparency. WebP also supports lossy compression, which often makes photos much smaller than PNG.

Why use WebP instead of PNG?

WebP files are often smaller at similar visual quality, which helps pages load faster on slow connections.

Does WebP support transparency?

Yes. WebP supports alpha transparency in both lossy and lossless modes.

PNG vs WebP: Which format should you use?

Use WebP for most web images when smaller files matter. Use PNG when you need a lossless file for an older workflow or a tool that does not accept WebP.

Quick answer

Photos and UI screenshots: WebP is usually smaller.
Graphics with transparency: Both support alpha; WebP often wins on size.
Legacy pipelines: PNG is still the safer export when tooling expects it.

When WebP is the better default

WebP supports lossy and lossless compression. For photos and many UI assets, a lossy WebP file is much smaller than a PNG at the same visual quality. That cuts bytes on the wire and helps Largest Contentful Paint on mobile.

Modern browsers support WebP. If your audience is almost entirely on current Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, WebP is a safe delivery format.

When PNG is still the right pick

Keep PNG when a design tool, print workflow, or partner API requires it. PNG is also fine for small icons where the size gap is tiny and you want one format everywhere in the repo.

Transparency and lossless notes

Both formats handle alpha. If you need every pixel preserved exactly, use lossless WebP or PNG and compare file size. Lossless WebP often beats PNG on size, but results vary by image content.

Practical delivery tips

Deliver WebP on the site when browsers support it.
Keep source masters in your design tool, not only compressed exports.
Try a few quality settings and pick the smallest file that still looks right.

FAQ

PNG or WebP: which should I use?: Use WebP for most images on the web. Use PNG when a tool or workflow still needs PNG files.
What is the difference between PNG and WebP?: Both can store lossless pixels and transparency. WebP also supports lossy compression, which often makes photos much smaller than PNG.
Why use WebP instead of PNG?: WebP files are often smaller at similar visual quality, which helps pages load faster on slow connections.
Does WebP support transparency?: Yes. WebP supports alpha transparency in both lossy and lossless modes.

Open PixelCrush to compress or convert a sample image.

Compare PNG and WebP on your file