Format comparison
PNG vs WebP
PNG is the lossless, universally understood choice for UI and screenshots. WebP usually produces smaller files in lossy or lossless modes and still supports alpha.
Decision table
| Feature | PNG | WEBP |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy or lossless |
| Transparency | Full alpha | Full alpha |
| Best for | UI, logos, screenshots | Web delivery of stills |
| Typical size | Often heavy for photos | Usually smaller |
| Editing | Excellent everywhere | Good; some legacy gaps |
| Web support | Excellent | All modern browsers |
| Safe re-save | Yes | Lossless mode yes; lossy no |
Choose PNG when…
- Design handoffs
- Lossless screenshots you will crop repeatedly
- Email/docs that mishandle WebP
- Non-web teammates
Choose WEBP when…
- Sites watching Lighthouse image bytes
- Transparent images still heavy as PNG
- Modern browser galleries
- Replacing heavy PNGs on landing pages
Verdict
Keep PNG for design handoffs and maximum editor support. Prefer WebP for production websites where browsers are current.
Convert between them
Jump straight into a private browser converter — files are not uploaded to a server.
Keep exploring this topic
Stay inside the PNG / WEBP knowledge graph — sibling comparisons, best-format guides, and converters — not generic homepage links.
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