What is WebP?
WebP?
Webp? Wow? Many people read it by mistake, but the correct reading is “Weppy.”
WebP is a still image format developed by Google and the file extension is written as “.webp”.
Currently, it is said to be the “next generation format” and it is attracting attention, but it seems to have been around since 2010.
WebP was created with the purpose of reducing the volume of website traffic, and it is an image format that should be reviewed by those who are considering reducing the weight and speed of websites.
This time, we have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of using WebP.
Advantage 1 of WebP: file size can be reduced
After all, this is the best.
The most important feature of WebP is that the file size is said to be about 25-34% smaller than JPEG.
In fact, I made a WebP image and compared it.
Comparison of WebP and JPEG images
I am creating a WebP image with a compression ratio that does not seem so gross at first glance, but the file size has been reduced by 73%. This is incredible.
If you create a website using images created with WebP in this way, the loading of the site will speed up as the file size becomes lighter.
as a result
Lower user withdrawal rate = Improved UX (user experience)
It is also effective for SEO measures (the faster the site display speed, the higher the evaluation)
Use file capacity resources for other functions of your website
That’s very good.
WebP Advantage 2: Lossy Compression and Alpha Channel Handling
Lossy compression roughly refers to data that cannot be fully restored when compressed data is restored.
JPEG is lossy compression, but does not support alpha channels.
The alpha channel means that it can handle auxiliary data areas prepared to handle transparency information, that is, it can also handle transparent images.
GIF and PNG are lossless compression that supports alpha channel that can export transparent images, but the compression ratio is low.
Like JPEG, WebP is a special format that can export transparent images as GIF and PNG while using lossy compression with a high compression rate. Each format has a shape that makes up for the shortcomings and also supports animation and GIF, so that’s a good point.
Disadvantages of WebP: some browsers do not support it
This is the only downside.
There is only one, but it is a very important point.
As of April 2020, browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox support WebP.
However, Safari does not support it. Safari on iOS is also not supported.
I think Mac and especially iPhone users usually use Safari, but when they use WebP, they can’t see the images.
Regarding the share rate of the smartphone-only operating system, iPhone users account for more than 40% in Japan. it is. Safari, which is the default browser for 40% of people, cannot be easily ignored.
