Convert a PDF to WEBP
WEBP produces images markedly lighter than JPG or PNG at the same perceived quality. It is the format to reach for when the destination is the web.
Why WEBP is lighter
WEBP applies compression methods far newer than JPG, which dates from 1992. At the same perceived quality a WEBP file weighs 25 to 35% less than a JPG, and often a good deal less than a PNG on pages containing text.
It also combines the strengths of both: like PNG it handles transparency, and like JPG it offers adjustable lossy compression. It is the only one of the three that does both.
Compatibility and use cases
Every current browser reads WEBP — Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge have all supported it for years. That makes it a safe choice for illustrating a site, trimming page weight or improving a Core Web Vitals score.
The thing to watch is older desktop software and some line-of-business tools, which do not always open it. If the image is going into an old Word document or off to a print shop, PNG or JPG remain more universal.
Frequently asked questions
Is WEBP readable everywhere?
Every current browser reads it, as do recent Windows, macOS, Android and iOS releases. Some older desktop applications do not: in that case prefer PNG or JPG.
How much weight will I actually save?
Expect 25 to 35% less than a JPG at comparable quality, and often more than 50% against a PNG on a page containing text. The saving depends on what the page holds.
Does WEBP support transparency?
Yes, unlike JPG. Transparent areas of your PDF stay transparent, in a file lighter than the equivalent PNG.