WEBP Files Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 What is WEBP full form?

WEBP, in full form, stands for Web Picture Format.

WEBP is a raster image format comprising a grid of pixels holding a particular color value. WEBP images lose quality and become blurry when scaled up.

Yes, WEBP animation is possible. Animated WEBP files have multiple frames, like GIFs, allowing users to create looping sequences or short animations.

To create WEBP animations, do the following: 

  1. Choose images to be animated. Ensure they are in compatible formats such as JPEG or PNG.
  2. Adjust the WEBP images to the preferred styles and size
  3. Use Online Tools such as EZGIF or CloudConvert to convert the file into an animated WEBP file. 
  • Specify the frame duration and other settings.
  • Convert the image and download the animated WEBP file.

Alternatively, use the GIMP software by following the steps below: 

  1. Download and install GIMP
  2. Launch GIMP and import WebP images as layers 
  3. Go to File > Open as Layers.
  4. Go to File > Export As > Choose WEBP > Tick or Check the animation option.
  5. Set the frame delay > Export.
  6. Test the created animation.

Yes, WEBP supports transparency through an alpha channel. WEBP transparency allows images to have transparent backgrounds, making them suitable for creating logos, web graphics, and other images where transparency is needed.

WEBP compatibility has improved in recent years. Modern web browsers like Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Chrome support WEBP files. However, some older software and legacy browsers still lack full support for the format.

WEBP browser support is broad, especially in modern web browsers, including Safari, Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. Its smaller file sizes and faster loading times make it ideal for enhancing website performance. However, some older browsers do not support WEBP. In such cases, developers can use fallback formats like JPEG or PNG by employing techniques like the CSS method. WEBP is an excellent choice for web performance.

WEBP vulnerability refers to security threats related to the image format that can impact the application's decoding or processing of such images. Instances of WEBP exploits include: 

  • Memory Corruption: Errors encountered when handling WEBP files may result in unforeseen actions invaders use to manipulate driver memory.
  • Denial of Service: Deformed WEBP images may make applications hang or crash, disrupting services.
  • Buffer Overflows: A WEBP vulnerability may allow attackers to exploit the weaknesses of image decoding libraries to execute random code by creating malicious WEBP images or files.

Yes, you can open WEBP images in Photoshop. Native support for WEBP was introduced in Photoshop version 22.0 and later. For older versions of Photoshop, users would need to either convert WEBP files to formats like JPEG or PNG or install a plugin like WebPShop to enable WEBP support.

To save animated WEBP in Photoshop, do the following: 

  1. Create a WEBP Animation: Create animation frames using a timeline panel, but ensure all layers match the animation frames.
  2. Export the animation: Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).
  3. Choose WEBP format in the Save for Web dialog drop-down menu.
  4. Change your settings to attain the preferred size, quality, and other options.
  5. Click Save > Locate, select the desired destination folder, and change the file name.

The user's requirements determine whether the WebP format is better than the PNG file type. WebP files support transparency, animation, and lossy compression, resulting in smaller, high-quality images. Conversely, PNG supports a wide color range and lossless compression and enjoys universal software, browser support, and compatibility.     

WEBP format is the best choice for users who prioritize support for animation and smaller file sizes. PNG is preferred when users want wider compatibility and high-quality images, specifically in professional situations. You can check a side by side comparison of WEBP and PNG to inform your decision of the format that satisfies your requirements among the two.

The WEBP image format is deemed better than JPEG regarding compression efficiency and image quality. WEBP files are smaller and preserve almost all image details, resulting in better image quality, mostly at low-resolution levels. Unlike JPEG, WEBP supports transparency and both lossless and lossy compression.

On the other hand, JPEG format is universally compatible and supported by almost all browsers and platforms. Hence, when considering compatibility, JPEG is the best choice in cases where file size and image quality matter; choose WEBP over JPEG. You can also check more details on how the two formats compare to make an informed decision.

Yes. You can remove WebP image backgrounds using the following:

  • Mobile Applications: Mobile applications that support WEBP images and provide background feature removal are Canva, PhotoRoom, PicsArt, Background Eraser, or Adobe Photoshop Mix.
  • Image Editing Software: Use software such as GIMP to select tools that remove WebP files backgrounds manually.
  • Online Background Removers: Use websites such as Canva or Remove.bg to efficiently handle and remove WEBP image backgrounds.

Yes. Safari supports WEBP from version 14 (launched in 2020). Recent versions of Safari support WebP on iOS or macOS. Nonetheless, older versions may not support the file format.

No, not all web browsers support WEBP. It is supported by most modern browsers, including Opera, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari (from version 14). However, older versions of Safari and Internet Explorer do not.

Yes, WEBP files are safe. However, their safety depends on how they are handled or created. Like any file format, vulnerabilities can be exploited, so keeping image-processing libraries and software up to date is crucial to reduce potential security risks.

WEBP is good for SEO because it helps optimize images, leading to a more efficient and user-friendly website. WEBP files are smaller while maintaining high quality, improving webpage loading times. Faster loading times enhance user experience and can positively impact search engine rankings.