Comparing WebP, PNG, and JPEG: An Overview
Let’s delve into the workings of all three image formats to understand their distinct features. WebP: A New Image Format WebP, developed by Google, is a relatively modern image format compared to PNG and JPEG. It offers exceptional lossless and lossy compression for web images, enabling the creation of smaller image files that significantly enhance website performance. In lossless compression, all data remains intact within the image file after decompression. In contrast, lossy compression reduces file size by permanently removing data from the image file.
An exceptional feature of WebP is its support for motion-based images, a capability unavailable in PNG or JPEG. This attribute makes WebP a compelling substitute for GIFs. WordPress incorporated native support for the WebP image format in its 5.8 release. Previously, users needed WordPress plugins to leverage WebP images in their WordPress sites.
WebP enjoys widespread compatibility across modern web browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and more. Various image editing tools support WebP, offering options to export images in this format. Similar to PNG, WebP allows achieving comparable levels of transparency within images.
Pros:
- Provides smaller file sizes in comparison to PNG and JPEG
- Supported by popular web browsers
- Offers transparency in images equivalent to PNG
- Facilitates both lossy and lossless compression
- Allows the creation of motion-based images
Cons:
- Requires third-party tools and plugins for converting images into WebP format
- Limited support from photo editing software
What is PNG?
Portable Network Graphics (PNG) stands among the most widely used image formats on the internet. It accommodates millions of colors, yielding sharp and higher-quality images. PNG is valued for its lossless compression method, retaining all data and image quality throughout compression. This feature makes PNG ideal for a WordPress website that necessitates reduced image file sizes while upholding fine details in pictures. Another advantage of PNG is its ability to support transparent backgrounds, commonly used for website logos and various other elements. For instance, here is the WPBeginner logo in PNG format.
Pros:
- Maintains image quality during compression
- Displays smaller image file sizes compared to JPEG
- Offers high-quality image transparency
- Supported by all major browsers and image editing tools
- Ideal format for logos and graphics with low color depth
- Supports lossless compression
Cons:
- Does not support lossy compression
- Limited color depth and not suitable for complex, color-rich images
What is JPEG?
JPEG, an acronym for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is an image format created in 1986. It serves as the standard image format for many devices, including digital cameras and smartphones. The majority of WordPress website builders and image gallery plugins also support JPEG images. One advantage of using JPEG is its ability to produce vibrant pictures with millions of colors. This format is universally supported by web browsers, and it generates relatively small image sizes. For example, here is an image of a butterfly in JPEG format. It exhibits various colors and fine details, distinguishing it from other image formats.
JPEG is often the best format for complex images with a wide range of colors. In the JPEG image above, the colors are vivid and pronounced.
However, there might be a slight drop in image quality when optimized, particularly if the image contains limited color data. Nonetheless, JPEG images are easily convertible, allowing conversion into various formats, including PNG and WebP.
Pros:
- Supports millions of colors
- Excellent format for complex and color-rich images
- Highly convertible into other image formats
- Supported by popular web browsers and image editing tools
Cons:
- Image details are lost after compression
- Does not support layered images
- Lacks support for image transparency
WebP vs. PNG vs. JPEG – Image File Size
When comparing WebP, PNG, and JPEG regarding image file size, the compression level chosen for optimizing the image significantly influences the comparison. Generally, WebP lossless images are approximately 26% smaller than PNG images. Similarly, in a comparison between WebP and JPEG lossy images, WebP images tend to be 25-34% smaller than JPEG images. For example, a Google Developers study highlights a considerable disparity in image file size between JPEG and WebP formats, indicating that WebP images are notably smaller in size than PNG and JPEG. The smaller image file size can enhance the speed of your WordPress site, ensuring faster webpage loading. Additionally, this leads to improvements in WordPress SEO. Google takes into account page loading speed as a ranking factor. Faster-loading websites hold an advantage over slower ones in search engine rankings.
WebP vs. PNG vs. JPEG – Image Quality
Selecting the most suitable image format for a WordPress site based on image quality largely depends on the nature of your website.
For example, if you’re a photographer showcasing images with rich colors on your WordPress site, JPEG proves to be the most appropriate image format. JPEG images maintain color data effectively with a high compression ratio.
Conversely, if your content comprises screenshots or images with limited color palettes, opting for the PNG format is a better choice. PNG ensures high-quality images and works seamlessly for both intricate and simple image types.
In the case of wanting to compress images for enhanced website performance, the WebP format is a viable option. Comparing WebP vs. JPEG, WebP achieves an average of 30% more compression than JPEG. However, we advise against using WebP for websites like photography or graphic design portfolios.
What Is the Best Image Format for WordPress?
Choosing the best image format among WebP, PNG, and JPEG depends on specific requirements.
WebP is considered the format leading the way for future image usage across websites. When considering WebP vs. JPEG, WebP offers the smallest image file size, saving storage space and enhancing website loading times. However, it’s important to ensure compatibility with your website builder or image editing tool for WebP usage.
Meanwhile, JPEG stands as the go-to image format for professional photographers and website owners seeking color-precise images.
PNG is the ideal format for sharing screenshots and other images with fewer color elements. It’s a versatile format that delivers high-quality images with relatively smaller file sizes.
Bonus Tips for Using Images in WordPress
Images play a crucial role in content creation, yet many website owners overlook the significance of incorporating high-quality images into their blog posts and pages.
Beyond selecting the appropriate image format for WordPress, here are some tips to assist in crafting exceptional images and optimizing them for superior performance:
Leverage Image Compression Plugins – Utilize image compression plugins to optimize WebP, JPEG, and PNG images. Large images can slow down your website, and employing compression ensures faster loading times.
Incorporate Image Alt Text – Alt text, also known as alternative text, is an HTML image tag that provides a descriptive text for an image. This is crucial for search engine bots and users employing screen readers. For better SEO optimization, incorporating alt text in your images can aid their appearance in image search results.
Choose Appropriate Image Sizes – Determining the right image size for your website ensures consistency and a seamless user experience. Beginners often grapple with selecting the proper image dimensions for their websites.
Utilize Watermark or Disable Right Click – To prevent unauthorized image usage, consider adding a watermark or disabling the right-click option on images. For further information, refer to our guide on preventing image theft in WordPress.