Why convert PNG to WebP
PNG is the go-to format for images with transparency, but it is lossless, so complex images such as product cut-outs, illustrations with gradients and photos with transparent backgrounds produce big files. WebP can keep the transparency while compressing the colours much more efficiently. The result is often a fraction of the size, which helps pages load faster.
Typical uses:
- product photos with transparent backgrounds for an online shop
- illustrations, banners and hero images for a website or blog
- app and game assets where download size matters
How to use this converter
Choose one or more PNG files, or drop them on the box above. Your browser converts each one and adds a download button, with the old and new size side by side.
Choosing a quality setting
This converter creates lossy WebP files, which give the biggest savings. Start at 85%. Check edges and any text after converting. If you see smudging, raise the quality; if the file is still too big, lower it to 75%. The transparent areas themselves stay clean at any setting.
When to keep the PNG
- Icons and simple logos with a handful of flat colours are often already tiny as PNG. Compare the sizes shown before switching.
- Screenshots of text can lose sharpness. Keep them as PNG if readability matters more than size.
- Master copies for future editing should stay PNG, since PNG never loses detail.
What changes in the converted file
- Transparency is kept.
- Metadata stored in PNG text chunks is not copied.
- Colour depth becomes 8 bits per channel. 16-bit PNGs lose the extra precision, which doesn’t show on screens.
- Dimensions stay exactly the same.
Checking the result
Before replacing your PNGs, open one converted WebP in a browser tab and zoom to 200%. Look at three places: the edges where the image meets the transparent background, any small text, and smooth gradients. If they look clean, the setting is right for the rest of your images too. If gradients show visible bands, raise the quality by 5–10 points and convert again.
Questions
Is transparency kept?
Yes. WebP supports an alpha channel, so transparent and partly see-through areas stay that way, even with lossy compression.
Will text and sharp edges stay crisp?
At 85% quality and above, edges generally stay clean. Lower settings can blur fine text and thin lines. For screenshots full of small text, check the result or keep the PNG.
Does it work on iPhone and in Safari?
Yes. The converter includes Google's libwebp encoder, so it creates WebP files in every browser, including Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
How much smaller is WebP than PNG?
For photos and graphics with gradients the WebP is often 60 to 90 percent smaller. Flat graphics with few colours shrink less, because PNG already compresses those well.
Last reviewed 30 October 2026