WebP vs. PNG: How to Convert and Why It Matters

Images are an important part of daily life. The image format has an important effect on the image's size, quality, and compression. Google created WebP, an image format. The main purpose of this format was to help websites deliver attractive visual content without compromising on website speed. PNG is a popular image format. It promotes transparency, which is an essential aspect of online design. Every format has unique characteristics and applications. For best performance, however, selecting the appropriate file format is important. Your website will not give a good user experience if the images load slowly. Considering the importance of image format, we have written an in-depth article on WebP vs. PNG: how to convert and why it matters. Indeed, this article also contains important information related to the difference between WebP format and PNG format, so you have a clear idea of which format is best.

What is WebP Format?

The WebP format is a more advanced format than PNG. Google developed WebP, which aims to provide the best lossless and lossy compression for images. This enables you to make smaller images that enhance the functionality of websites. To make the web faster, WebP emphasizes creating smaller, better-quality images. This enables you to make smaller images that increase the efficiency of websites. WebP can help improve the website's visual appearance by creating attractive visuals of smaller sizes. WebP lossless images are 26% less in size than PNGs, providing significant improvements in terms of web speed and utilization of bandwidth. All current web browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and others support the WebP picture format. You may export images in WebP format, and many image editing programs support this format as well.

Pros

• Provides smaller file sizes than PNG.
• Allows for lossless and lossy compression.
• It can help to make motion-based graphics.
• Supported by frequently utilized web browsers.
• It can help improve the website's speed.

Cons

• Limited support from photo editing software.
• Converting images to WebP format requires third-party software and plugins.

What is PNG Format?

Portable Network Graphics known as PNG included one of the best image formats on the Internet. It offers millions of colors, making images clearer and more accurate. The main benefit of utilizing PNG is its seamless compression algorithm. It enables you to maintain the image quality during compression. This makes PNG an excellent format for a smaller image file size. It provides transparency, which is considered an important aspect of web architecture, just like WebP. Transparency gives you the ability to organize your photos into a uniform design framework, preventing conflicts between them. The PNG file format is widely supported by many image editing software and web browsers, making it an ideal choice for many types of digital images.

Pros

• It does not lose the quality of the image when compressed.
• Possesses smaller picture files
• Provides excellent image transparency.
• The best format for low-color images and logos
• Supported by picture editing software and all popular browsers

Cons

• It is incompatible with lossy compression.
• Limited color depth, unsuitable for complicated color-rich photos.

Difference Between WebP Format and PNG Format

This table shows the difference between WebP format and PNG format.

How to Convert WebP Format to PNG Format

WebP photos can be converted to PNG using online tools. Here is the method for converting WebP to PNG.

• Choose an online webp to png converter tool.
• Select files from your computer or by dragging them to the online tool.
• As a result, select WebP or any other format that you require.
• Let the file convert, and you can download your PNG file.

Why You Should Convert the WebP Format to PNG?

Here are the reasons that can help you understand why you should convert.

Preserving Quality Without Loss

WebP is known for its ability to compress files while maintaining quality. Therefore, you can obtain smaller files with less loss. However, there are instances in which maintaining the original data is important. Here, PNG can help. PNG files are essential for graphic design, professional photography, and medical imaging. None of the original image data is lost. This makes PNG the best file format for graphics.

Difficulties in Animation

While WebP Animation (ANIM) can handle moving images, it can lead to issues. Some systems can face difficulty displaying or processing WebP graphics smoothly. Converting from WebP to PNG could be helpful, particularly if motion isn't crucial. PNG can facilitate the display of moving content on multiple platforms, improving the user experience because it is widely supported and compatible. Static PNG files can be utilized in any tool or device because they are generally accepted.

Broader Compatibility

Converting WebP images to PNG improves compatibility because PNG is supported by browsers and software. While WebP provides benefits such as lower file sizes and improved compression, not all devices and programs support it. Converting WebP images to PNG ensures that more users can view and use them without facing compatibility difficulties. This is especially crucial for websites and digital information, which must be available to the broadest possible audience.

Size Limitation

WebP is included in one of the best image formats, but its image resolution is limited. It is not suitable for higher resolutions. However, PNG does not have any restrictions on size or resolution. The PNG picture could have the maximum size. Moreover, a PNG image's visual quality remains unaffected when its size is increased. Therefore, converting WEBP to PNG images can help overcome size and quality limits.

Bottom Line

Understanding the differences between WebP and PNG formats is important. The WebP format is more advanced than PNG. WebP was developed by Google with the goal of providing the finest lossless and lossy image compression. This allows you to create smaller images, which improves the functionality of websites. WebP promotes the creation of smaller, higher-quality images to speed up the internet. On the other hand, it provides millions of colors, improving the accuracy and clarity of images. The smooth compression method of PNG is the primary advantage of using it. It allows you to keep the quality of the image while it is being compressed. Because of this, PNG is a great format for images with smaller file sizes. By choosing the right image format, you can ensure that your website operates smoothly and looks excellent. This article helps clear your confusion about WebP vs. PNG formats.