PNG vs WebP
How do PNG and WebPcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.png
Full guide →Portable Network Graphics
PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency. It was created as an improved, non-patented replacement for GIF. PNG is ideal for graphics, logos, screenshots, and any image where quality preservation is critical.
.webp
Full guide →Web Picture Format
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior compression for images on the web. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation — all in one format.
| Specification | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Network Graphics | Web Picture Format |
| Extension | .png | .webp |
| MIME type | image/png | image/webp |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Developer | PNG Development Group | |
| Year introduced | 1996 | 2010 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
PNG advantages
- Lossless compression — no quality loss
- Supports full transparency (alpha channel)
- Great for text, logos, and sharp-edged graphics
- Universally supported across all browsers and platforms
PNG limitations
- Larger file sizes than JPG for photographs
- No animation support (use APNG or GIF instead)
- Not ideal for print workflows (CMYK not supported)
WebP advantages
- 25-35% smaller than JPG at equivalent quality
- Supports transparency like PNG
- Supports animation like GIF
- Both lossy and lossless modes available
WebP limitations
- Not supported by some older browsers
- Limited support in desktop editing software
- Less universal than JPG or PNG
- Maximum dimension of 16383x16383 pixels
Which should you use?
Choose PNG when you need lossless quality, transparency, or sharp graphics. Choose WebP when file size matters more than pixel-perfect quality — like photos for the web.
Best uses for PNG
Best uses for WebP
Convert between PNG and WebP
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.