Source: https://mactoolbox.app/glossary/webp

# What is WebP?

By Nikhil Barik · Published November 3, 2026

## Quick answer

WebP is an image format designed for the web. It makes smaller files than JPEG or PNG at similar quality and supports transparency.

## What it is

WebP was created by Google. It can be lossy or lossless and supports transparency and animation.

## Why it matters on a Mac

Current browsers display WebP. Some apps and upload forms still do not accept it, which is why people convert it to JPEG or PNG.

## How to check it on macOS

Select the file in Finder and press Command-I to see the Kind. To save it as another format, open it in Preview and choose File > Export.

## How Toolbox handles it

Convert Images can write WebP as well as JPEG, PNG, HEIC and TIFF, so you can make small web images or convert WebP files to something else, in batches.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is WebP better than JPEG?**

Usually smaller at similar quality, but JPEG opens in more places.

**Does WebP support transparency?**

Yes.

**Why can't I upload a WebP file?**

The site may not accept it. Convert it to JPEG or PNG.

## Tools mentioned

- [**Convert Images**: Save photos as JPEG, PNG, HEIC, TIFF or WebP.](https://mactoolbox.app/heic-to-jpg-mac)
- [**Compress Images**: Make photos smaller without visible loss in quality.](https://mactoolbox.app/compress-images-mac)

## Keep reading

- [Convert Images](https://mactoolbox.app/heic-to-jpg-mac)
- [Compress Images](https://mactoolbox.app/compress-images-mac)
- [JPEG](https://mactoolbox.app/glossary/jpeg)
- [PNG](https://mactoolbox.app/glossary/png)