Free online PNG to WEBP converter

A website, content-management system, or storage workflow may require WEBP instead of the original PNG to reduce image size. Converting also helps when a browser-based publishing workflow accepts WEBP but does not use PNG efficiently.

What the PNG format is

PNG is a lossless raster-image format used for screenshots, interface graphics, diagrams, logos, and images that need transparent backgrounds. It supports alpha transparency and preserves pixel data during normal compression. PNG files can be much larger than compressed alternatives for photographs and detailed illustrations. Image editors such as Photoshop, GIMP, Krita, Paint.NET, and Affinity Photo, along with operating-system screenshot tools, commonly create PNG files.

What the WEBP format is

WEBP is a raster-image format developed by Google for web delivery. It supports lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation. Lossy WEBP is often smaller than PNG for photographs and complex images; lossless WEBP can reduce the size of some PNG graphics without changing their pixels. File-size results depend on the image, compression settings, and the PNG encoder that created the source.

How to convert a PNG file to WEBP

Using 101convert.com

1. Open the PNG-to-WEBP converter on 101convert.com.
2. Select or upload the .png file.
3. Choose WEBP as the output format.
4. Select lossless compression when exact pixels, sharp text, or transparency must be preserved. Select lossy compression when reducing file size is the priority, then choose an appropriate quality setting if one is available.
5. Start the conversion and download the resulting .webp file. The conversion runs without installing desktop software.

Using ImageMagick

ImageMagick supports command-line and scripted conversions. Use this command for lossless WEBP:

magick input.png -define webp:lossless=true output.webp

Use a quality value from 0 to 100 for lossy output:

magick input.png -quality 80 output.webp

Lower values generally create smaller files but produce more visible artifacts. Test the result rather than assuming that a particular quality value will suit every image.

Using the cwebp utility

Google's WebP command-line utility provides direct compression controls:

cwebp -q 80 input.png -o output.webp

For lossless output, use:

cwebp -lossless input.png -o output.webp

For multiple files, run the command for each input or use a shell loop. Check that each output file has the .webp extension and opens correctly before replacing the PNG files.

Quality and compatibility limits

Lossless WEBP preserves the rendered pixels and transparency, but it is not guaranteed to be smaller than PNG for every graphic. Lossy WEBP can create ringing, block-like detail, or color changes around text, thin lines, sharp edges, and transparent objects. Inspect the converted image at its intended display size.

Conversion normally retains the rendered image, not an editor's layer structure, paths, adjustment layers, or other project data. PNG metadata, ICC color profiles, timestamps, and application-specific information may also be discarded or changed by the conversion tool. Keep the original PNG when later editing or archival recovery matters.

Static PNG and animated PNG are different cases. A converter may process only the first frame of an animated PNG, so verify animation support when the source is APNG.

Current Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Android, and most modern image libraries support WEBP. Older browsers, desktop applications, embedded systems, and publishing tools may not. Confirm that the target software accepts WEBP before deleting the PNG.