WebP images are smaller in size and correspondingly faster to load, which significantly boosts user experience. So, you'll definitely want to give them a try when doing image optimisation for your store.
While there are multiple options to convert images to WebP, in this guide you'll learn how to upload WebP images to Magento directly.
But before that, you should ask the main question.
Does Magento Support WebP Images?
Magento WebP image support is questionable at first hand, since the platform doesn't allow you to upload WebP images to the admin directly.
However, you can convert images to WebP with the WebP extension, store and render them on the frontend (while the original .png and .jpg images are still displayed in the backend).
How to Upload WebP Images to Magento?
While automatic conversion is still a better option, you can upload WebP images to Magento admin using a .
Step 1: Install WebP images extension
Just follow all the instructions to install the WebP extension. Then enable it under Stores > Configuration > Magefan Extensions > WebP > General.
This automatically allows you to upload WebP to the Magento admin.
Step 2: Upload WebP images to the admin
Go to any product or content page where you want to add WebP images. Then upload WebP files through the media tool, like you usually do and Save a page.
Step 3: Check WebP images on frontend
The last step is to check how the WebP image you uploaded displays on the frontend. Do that by using the developer browser tools.
You can also find a detailed guide on how to test WebP images in the following video.
Drawbacks of Direct WebP Upload
Although you can upload WebP images to Magento directly, this method has a lot of drawbacks.
Brower compatibility
Not all browsers or their versions support WebP images. So, once you upload a WebP image to Magento admin, only the WebP file will be loaded.
This means that the image will be recognised only by WebP-friendly browsers. Visitors from non-WebP browsers won't see any images. It's bad for user experience.
No quality control
To upload WebP to Magento, you first need to use a WebP converter to convert your images.
The majority of those tools offer some standard quality settings. So, you have no control over the quality of the WebP images you get.
Time-consuming updates
This one is closely tied to the previous drawback. If you want to make any changes to the images in WebP format, you need to convert each image again and reupload it to Magento. This is not an option for large catalogues.
That being said, it's best to set up automatic conversion and change quality whenever you need. Since you'll still be using an extension for that, explore a guide on how to configure Magento 2 WebP Images Extension .
