All Tools VerseCompressing a WebP shrinks the file by lowering its quality setting, and because WebP is efficient, you can often cut the size in half with no visible difference. The quality slider, from 0 to 100, controls the trade between file size and detail. This guide explains how WebP compression works, how to pick a quality level, and a free tool to compress in your browser.
In this guide
How WebP compression works
WebP was built to make web images small, and it usually beats JPEG and PNG at the same quality, as our WebP format guide explains. Compression discards detail the eye is least likely to notice, so a lower quality number means a smaller file with more of that detail removed. The skill is finding the point where the file is small but the loss is invisible.
Choosing a quality level
Quality runs from 0 to 100. Around 80 is a common sweet spot: a large size saving with no obvious loss for most photos. Below 60 the artifacts start to show on detailed images, and above 90 the file grows fast for little visible gain. The right number depends on the image, so it is worth comparing a couple of settings rather than guessing once.
Lossy versus lossless
WebP supports both lossy and lossless modes. Lossy compression, controlled by the quality slider, gives the smallest files and suits photographs. Lossless keeps every pixel exact and suits graphics, logos, and screenshots where sharp edges matter. For a deeper comparison of formats and their trade-offs, see our PNG vs WebP vs AVIF guide.
Compress a WebP
The WebP compressor lets you drop in an image, set the quality, and download the smaller file, all in your browser so nothing uploads. If you want fine control over the exact quality value rather than a preset, the change WebP quality tool targets that single setting directly.
Tips for the best result
Resize before you compress: a photo shown at 800 pixels wide does not need to be 4000 pixels, and resizing first saves far more than quality alone. Compare the compressed image against the original at full size to catch artifacts. And keep a copy of the original, since compression is lossy and you cannot recover the discarded detail later.
Free tools used in this guide
Frequently asked questions
How do I compress a WebP?
Lower its quality setting and save the smaller file. A WebP compressor lets you set the quality and download the result in your browser.
What quality should I use?
Around 80 is a good sweet spot for most photos, giving a large size saving with no obvious loss. Compare a couple of values to be sure.
What is the difference between lossy and lossless WebP?
Lossy uses the quality slider for the smallest files and suits photos, while lossless keeps every pixel exact and suits graphics and logos.
Does compressing a WebP upload my image?
No. A browser-based compressor processes the image on your device, so nothing is sent anywhere.
Can I undo WebP compression?
No. Lossy compression discards detail permanently, so keep a copy of the original if you may need it.