Image conversion for beginners: A simple step-by-step tutorial

Image conversion is a fundamental skill for anyone working with digital media, whether you’re a graphic designer, photographer, or tech enthusiast. If you’re new to the world of image conversion, this tutorial will guide you through the basics, helping you understand the process and convert images with ease.

What is image conversion?

Image conversion is changing an image from one file format to another. This can be necessary for various reasons, such as reducing file size, ensuring compatibility with specific software, or preparing an image for a particular use case (e.g., web, print, social media).

Common image formats

Before diving into the conversion process, it’s helpful to understand some of the most common image formats:

  • JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Ideal for photographs and images with many colors. Offers lossy compression, which reduces file size but can affect quality.
  • PNG (Portable Network Graphics): Supports lossless compression, and maintains high quality. Perfect for images with transparency and graphics.
  • GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): Best for simple graphics and animations. Supports limited colors and can be used for small animations.
  • BMP (Bitmap): An uncompressed format that retains high image quality but results in large file sizes.
  • TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): Often used in professional photography and publishing. Supports lossless compression and multiple layers.
  • HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Coding): Developed by MPEG, this format offers high compression efficiency while retaining excellent image quality. It supports advanced features like multiple images (live photos) and better detail preservation. Often used in Apple’s ecosystem.
  • WebP: Developed by Google, this format provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images on the web, reducing their file size. It supports transparency (like PNG) and animation (like GIF), making it versatile for web use.

Why should you convert your images to smaller sizes for websites?

One of the most significant factors affecting website performance is the size of the images used. Converting images to smaller sizes improves various aspects of a website, from user experience to search engine optimization (SEO).

1. Faster loading times

  • Speed matters: The loading speed of a website is directly related to user satisfaction. According to studies, 53% of mobile users abandon websites that take longer than three seconds to load. Large images are one of the main reasons behind slow-loading websites.
  • First impressions count: Visitors are more likely to stay and interact with a website that loads quickly. Fast loading times lead to a better first impression, increasing the likelihood of conversion and engagement.
  • Universal access: Optimized images make your website more accessible to users with varying internet speeds and devices, including those in regions with slower internet connections.
  • PageSpeed Insights: Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights assess website performance, including image optimization. Smaller images help achieve better scores, indicating a well-optimized site.
  • Core Web Vitals: Metrics such as Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) are influenced by image sizes. Optimized images contribute to better Core Web Vitals, enhancing overall site performance.

2. Improved SEO rankings

  • Google’s Algorithm: Search engines like Google consider page load speed as a ranking factor. Faster websites are more likely to rank higher in search results, driving more organic traffic to your website.
  • Mobile optimization: With the rise of mobile-first indexing, having a mobile-optimized site is crucial. Smaller images enhance mobile site performance, aligning with Google’s preferences.
  • Reduced bounce rates: Faster load times lead to lower bounce rates, as users are less likely to leave a site that loads quickly. Lower bounce rates positively impact SEO.
  • Increased dwell time: A faster, more responsive site encourages users to spend more time exploring your content, further boosting SEO performance.

3. Bandwidth and hosting savings

  • Storage savings: Smaller image files take up less storage space, reducing the costs associated with web hosting.
  • Reduced bandwidth: Smaller images consume less bandwidth, which is especially beneficial for users with limited data plans or slower internet connections. Additionally, lower bandwidth consumption can result in lower hosting fees, particularly for websites with high traffic volumes.
  • Lower server load: Smaller image files reduce the load on your server, allowing it to handle more simultaneous users without performance degradation.

A step-by-step guide to image conversion

To convert your images to and from PNG, JPEG and WebP, you can use Tinify’s free image converter. No account creation or new software installation is required. For unlimited image conversions, you can upgrade to Web Ultra.

1. Upload your image: Simply choose the image you want to modify and click or drag it into the converter. 

2. Select PNG, JPEG or WebP as the output: Opt for “convert your images automatically” and choose your preferred image format to convert. The image conversion process will start on its own. Alternatively, you can choose “select all” and pick the format that results in the smallest size.

3. Download the converted image: After the conversion is complete, just click the download button to keep the WebP image on your device. 

💡 Bonus: Tinify’s image converter also compresses your images automatically. It shrinks file sizes by up to 80% without compromising quality, leading to speedier page loading. 

Common problems in image conversion and how to solve them

Image conversion can lead to issues like quality loss, file size problems, and compatibility errors. As a newbie in image conversion, it’s important to know how to solve them to ensure optimal results.

Problem 1: Loss of image quality

Issue: Converting an image from one format to another can result in a noticeable loss of quality, especially when using lossy compression methods.

Solution:

  • Use lossless formats: Use lossless formats like PNG or TIFF if quality preservation is crucial.
  • Adjust compression settings: If using a lossy format like JPEG, adjust the compression settings to find a balance between file size and image quality. Another option is to use tools that can determine the optimal conversion ratio for you, like Tinify’s image converter which can automatically convert images.
  • Maintain original files: Keep a copy of the original file. This way, you can return to the original quality if needed.

Problem 2: Image file size issues

Issue: Converted images can sometimes still end up being much larger than anticipated, affecting storage and loading times.

Solution:

  • Choose the right format: Use formats suited to your needs. JPEG is good for photos with smaller file sizes, while PNG is better for high-quality graphics. For the web, WebP is recommended as it offers smaller image file sizes.
  • Resize images appropriately: Resize your images before conversion to the dimensions you need to avoid unnecessary large file sizes.
  • Use image compression tools: In addition, tools like TinyPNG can help reduce file size without significant quality loss.

JPEG vs WebP. The picture on the right was converted to WebP using Tinify’s image converter. The new image file size is significantly smaller. Photo by Lukas W. on Unsplash

Problem 3: Incompatibility with software, browsers or other platforms

Issue: Some formats may not be supported by certain platforms, leading to issues when opening or displaying the images.

Solution:

  • Check compatibility: Before converting, check the requirements of the software or platform to ensure compatibility. For example, WebP images are not supported by Internet Explorer browser and SquareSpace website builder.
  • Convert to common formats for web: Use widely supported formats like JPEG, PNG, or WebP for better compatibility.
  • Update software: Ensure that you are using the latest version of your software, as it may support more formats.

Problem 4: Transparency loss

Issue: Some formats do not support transparency, leading to a loss of transparent areas in the image.

Solution:

  • Use PNG, GIF or WebP for transparency: Both PNG and GIF formats support transparency. Choose these formats when transparency is needed. WebP is often better for transparent images due to its superior compression efficiency and quality, resulting in smaller file sizes.

Problem 5: Metadata loss

Issue: Converting images can strip out metadata, which includes important information like copyright details, camera settings, and more.

Solution:

  • Use software that preserves metadata: Some tools offer options to preserve metadata during conversion. Tools like Adobe Photoshop or ExifTool can help.
  • Manually add metadata: After conversion, manually add back important metadata if it has been lost. 

Problem 6: Unexpected file corruption

Issue: Sometimes, converted files may become corrupted and unusable.

Solution:

  • Use reliable tools: Use well-known and trusted conversion tools to minimize the risk of corruption.
  • Check files immediately: Always check the converted files immediately after conversion to ensure they are not corrupted.
  • Backup files: Keep backups of your original files to avoid losing important data.

Problem 7: Incorrect resolution

Issue: Converting images without paying attention to resolution settings can result in images that are too low or too high in resolution.

Solution:

  • Set resolution before conversion: Adjust the resolution settings in your conversion tool before converting the image.
  • Use appropriate resolution: Use a resolution suitable for your end use – 300 DPI for print and 72 DPI for web.

Problem 8: Limited batch conversion options

Issue: Converting multiple images at once can be time-consuming if your tool doesn’t support batch processing.

Solution:

  • Use batch conversion tools: Tools like TinyPNG and Adobe Bridge offer batch image conversion features.
  • Automate with scripts: For advanced users, writing scripts to automate batch conversion can save time and effort. You can use Tinify’s API in your scripts to automate batch image conversion.
batch image converter with Tinify's online image converter

Tips for successful image conversion

  • Check quality settings: Some tools allow you to adjust the quality settings. Higher quality usually means a larger file size. Tinify’s image converter takes care of this for you by choosing the best quality vs. size ratio, ensuring your images look the same without any noticeable loss in quality.
  • Maintain aspect ratio: Ensure that the aspect ratio (the ratio of width to height) remains consistent to avoid distorting the image.
  • Backup original files: Always keep a copy of the original image in case you need to revert any changes.
  • Use appropriate formats: Choose the right format for your needs. For example, use JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics with transparency, GIF for animations and WebP for online use.

Conclusion

Knowing how to convert images is important for website owners. This guide explains the process of changing image file formats to make them smaller, compatible, or suitable for specific purposes. 

It’s important to convert images to smaller sizes for better website performance, faster loading times, improved SEO rankings, and lower bandwidth costs. 

You can simplify this process by using Tinify’s free image converter, which allows you to convert your images to and from JPEG, PNG and WebP, so you don’t have to worry about quality loss, file size issues, and compatibility problems.

Customer Story: Marketing Consultant Rachael Woods upgrades to Web Ultra for easy bulk image compression

“For me, the convenience of TinyPNG is invaluable. The functionality and speed of the tool are fantastic, and while there are other ways to achieve a 70% reduction in image size, TinyPNG is the easiest and fastest method I’ve found. Plus, it doesn’t alter the image file names, which is a huge plus for maintaining SEO integrity.” 

Rachael Woods, marketing consultant and owner of Woods MarCom

Rachael Woods, a marketing consultant and owner of Woods MarCom, a marketing agency in Northwest Washington, specializes in various digital marketing tactics, including paid ads and search engine optimization (SEO). She uses Tinify’s Web Ultra subscription to optimize images for her clients’ websites by bulk compressing and converting them to WebP online.

Key results

  • Bulk image compression: Rachael finds it convenient to use Tinify’s Web Ultra for batch-processing images. It allows her to upload and compress multiple images simultaneously, saving her valuable time.
  • Simple functionality: Rachael appreciates Tinify’s Web Ultra because of its simple and user-friendly interface, which is why she decided to use TinyPNG in the first place.
  • Retention of file names: Unlike other tools, Tinify retains the original file names of the images, which helps preserve her SEO efforts. 
  • High-quality compression: Additionally, Tinify’s algorithm ensures high-quality compression by reducing file sizes without compromising image quality.

Background: Searching for a bulk image compressor

Through her expertise in SEO and website audits, Rachael noticed that many websites she worked on had large images that slowed down load times. As a result, she had to come up with a solution to enhance website performance by optimizing images efficiently:

“I conduct website audits, and one common issue I find is that images are often too large, slowing down load times. Keeping images optimized is increasingly crucial, especially as mobile usage grows. This is a core part of my work, whether I’m building SEO-optimized infrastructure or helping clients optimize theirs.”

Rachael discovered that Tinify’s drag-and-drop image compression tool was a perfect fit for her needs:

“What I love about TinyPNG is that I can upload a whole batch of images, have them processed together, and then download them all at once. I’ve tried other tools that offer many features, but they’re not as convenient for batch processing. I often need to compress multiple images quickly, and other tools usually require you to do it one at a time, and I don’t have time for that.”

Rachael Woods, marketing consultant and owner of Woods MarCom

Solution: Tinify’s Web Ultra for improved image optimization workflow

Rachael liked TinyPNG’s simplicity and efficiency, so she upgraded to the Web Ultra subscription to optimize larger files and more images:

“Initially, I used the free version, but I upgraded about three to six weeks ago because my needs grew. I had a project for a contractor with a mix of phone photos and high-resolution images from a photographer. I resized the images in Adobe, exported them, and then used TinyPNG to compress them in bulk. This workflow, from Adobe to TinyPNG, saves me a lot of time—just a few minutes instead of processing each image individually.”

Rachael Woods, marketing consultant and owner of Woods MarCom

In addition, Rachael uses Web Ultra’s image converter to convert her clients’ images to WebP format whenever she can, as this new next-gen format loads much faster on the web. “I only started using WebP in the past year and a half, and that’s when I discovered your tool,” she said.

Rachael also mentioned that she primarily uses WebP format on websites like WordPress. But while WordPress easily integrates WebP, this is not the case for other content management systems. In those, Rachael sticks to more universal formats like PNGs and JPEGs to ensure wider accessibility. This is why compressing images is crucial for her work.

Moreover, as an SEO strategist, Rachael appreciates that the file names remain intact, which is crucial for SEO: “TinyPNG keeps the original names of images, which is convenient because some tools tend to modify the names when downloaded.”

She explained that altering file names, as some tools do, can hinder SEO efforts by adding irrelevant titles or adjusting them. Maintaining original file names ensures that each image is optimally named with relevant keywords, enhancing SEO performance.

With Tinify’s Web Ultra, Rachael Woods has streamlined her workflow, effortlessly handling large batches of images thanks to the tool’s user-friendly interface and bulk processing capabilities. This ensures quick and efficient website loading, improved SEO and user experience for her customers’ websites. In her words, “I really appreciate how straightforward TinyPNG is. You just open it up, drop your files, and you’re done.”

Conclusion

Rachael Woods is an SEO marketing consultant who uses Tinify’s Web Ultra subscription to optimize images for her clients’ websites. She finds it extremely valuable due to its convenience, speed, and high-quality compression, all without changing file names. With the tool’s ability to process multiple images at once, Rachael is able to save time. This efficient workflow not only improves website performance but also ensures SEO integrity is maintained.

Convert PNG to WebP online for quicker image loading speed

Converting PNG to WebP format can make your website load faster and save storage space without compromising image quality. WebP supports transparency just like PNG, but it offers better compression, resulting in quicker loading times. And now, you can conveniently convert your images for the web using Tinify’s image converter tool! To learn more about how WebP compares to PNG, check out this blog post.

What is a PNG?

A PNG file, or Portable Network Graphic (.png extension), is a raster image file commonly used in web and graphic design. PNG was developed as an improved alternative to GIF, offering superior quality and flexibility. 

Unlike GIFs, which are limited to 256 colors, PNG images can display millions of colors, making them ideal for detailed graphics. In addition, unlike the patented GIF format, PNG is open and can be accessed using any image editing software without licensing constraints.

Moreover, PNG supports alpha transparency, allowing for the creation of images with varying degrees of transparency. This feature is particularly useful for elements like logos or interface designs where transparency is crucial. Additionally, PNG is particularly suited for graphics with sharp edges. Its lossless compression ensures that images maintain their detail and quality even after multiple openings and saves, making it perfect for storing images that undergo frequent editing. 

Pros and cons of PNG

PNG pros:

  • Maintains original image quality without any loss due to lossless compression.
  • Supports alpha channel for transparent and semi-transparent images.
  • Capable of handling millions of colors with its wide color range (24-bit color).
  • Widely accessible and used as it is free from licensing fees and patents.

PNG Cons:

  • Generally larger file sizes compared to other file sizes like JPEG, which can affect loading times and storage.
  • Does not support animations like GIF, although there is an extension called APNG (not universally supported).
  • Mobile users or visitors with poor internet connection may struggle to load PNGs due to their large file size.

What is the difference between PNG, JPEG and WebP? 

JPEG is ideal for pictures, while PNG is more suitable for web graphics, logos, charts, and illustrations, particularly when transparency is needed. Because PNGs allow for transparency and can display millions of colors, making them ideal for detailed graphics, they are usually bigger than other image formats like JPEG. 

This is because PNGs provide lossless compression, while JPEG files do not. This means that PNGs don’t lose any image data when compressed, unlike JPEGs. However, due to lossless compression, PNGs tend to be larger files than JPEGs, requiring more storage space. This is why you should avoid PNG files for photographs because they can result in large file sizes, sometimes reaching several megabytes. Instead, use PNG only for clear graphics.

Finally, WebP frequently achieves smaller file sizes with minimal loss of quality when compared to PNG and JPEG. This is especially true for images with transparency, as Google designed WebP specifically for the web.

Is WebP better than PNG?

WebP is usually better than PNG images for web usage. According to Google’s developers, lossless WebP images can be up to 26% smaller than PNG files. Moreover, WebP supports transparency, similar to PNG, but with potentially smaller file sizes. If you prioritize smaller file sizes for a faster website, WebP might be a good replacement for PNGs, since it uses advanced compression techniques to reduce image size without sacrificing quality. 

The only downside is that WebP is only supported on modern browsers. If you’re using Internet Explorer, you’ll need a backup plan. The <picture> tag can help switch to PNG or JPEG formats. However, since Internet Explorer is rarely used nowadays, many people don’t find this to be a significant issue. Analyze your website traffic to see how many visitors are still using Internet Explorer before deciding whether to switch to WebP.

Tinify’s online image converter is a great tool for converting images to WebP, resulting in significantly smaller file sizes compared to PNG.

PNG vs WebP: Why should you convert your PNGs to WebP?

Converting PNG images to WebP can bring many benefits. WebP files are usually smaller than PNG files, which means faster loading times for your web pages, especially on slower connections or mobile devices. Smaller file sizes also help reduce bandwidth usage and storage costs for your website. WebP also supports transparency like PNG, so images with transparent backgrounds will still look great.

PNGWebP
PNG is supported by all web browsers, and it’s been around for a long time, being widely used.But WebP offers smaller file sizes: WebP offers superior compression compared to JPEG, resulting in smaller file sizes for similar image quality. This is especially useful for web content where fast loading times and bandwidth usage are important. The only thing to keep in mind is that WebP isn’t compatible with old browsers like Internet Explorer. For this, make sure you have a fallback option to serve JPEGs instead. 
When considering file size, PNG can result in heavy images, especially for complex images with many colors.So that’s why WebP is Google’s preference: Google has been actively promoting WebP as a more efficient image format for the web. While it’s not a direct ranking factor, using formats recommended by Google can benefit SEO. Since WebP images are typically smaller in size, this will make up for faster page load times, and Google prioritizes fast-loading websites in search rankings.
PNG is popular due to its transparency support, which is important for building transparent backgrounds in web design.But WebP offers transparency as well, at a smaller file size:  While PNG remains widely used due to its universal compatibility, WebP supports transparency and loads faster in modern browsers.
PNG files are easy to open, edit, and save multiple times.While WebP requires additional steps: You need to use an image converter or specific image software to save your images into WebP.
Comparison table PNG vs. WebP

Why convert PNG to WebP?

  • Smaller image size: WebP creates smaller file sizes than PNG, making web pages load faster.
  • Better website speed: Using WebP improves website performance by reducing file sizes and enhancing overall site speed, especially for image-heavy websites.
  • Transparency support: WebP supports transparent backgrounds like PNG, maintaining visual quality in a more compact format.
  • Modern web compatibility: WebP is compatible with modern browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera, the most popular browsers.
  • Approved by Google: Google developed WebP to enhance web performance and actively encourages its use. For example, PageSpeed Insights recommends website owners to use WebP instead of PNGs. Their explanation is that WebP and AVIF image formats have better compression than JPEG and PNG, leading to faster downloads and less data consumption.
PNG to WebP comparison: PNG 4MB

PNG – 4MB

PNG to WebP comparison: WebP 853MB

WebP – 853KB

In this example, the initial PNG image is 4MB. After using Tinify’s image converter to convert this PNG to WebP, the image size shrank to 853KB while still maintaining the same quality.

How to convert PNG to WebP without losing quality?

Converting PNG to WebP doesn’t automatically reduce quality. WebP is made to keep high-quality images while having smaller file sizes than PNG. 

Moreover, according to a study conducted by the design agency Dodonut, PNG is still considered the heaviest format. Therefore, they recommend replacing it with WebP whenever possible.

But remember that the quality of WebP images relies on the conversion tool and compression levels used. Higher compression can make file sizes smaller but might slightly lower detail, especially in fine textures or gradients. Tools like Tinify’s image converter make this process easier by automatically optimizing the quality-to-size ratio without losing efficiency or ease of use.

Tinify's image converter: example of PNG to WebP on the homepage

How to convert a PNG to WebP online?

Easily change your PNG files to WebP format using Tinify’s free image converter. No account creation or new software installation is required. Get unlimited image conversions by upgrading to Web Ultra.

1. Upload your image: Simply choose the image you want to modify and either click or drag it into the converter. 

2. Select WebP as the output: Opt for “convert your images automatically” and choose WebP as the format to convert. The image conversion process will start on its own. 

3. Download the converted image: After the conversion is complete, just click the download button to keep the WebP image on your device. 

💡 With Tinify’s online image converter, you can select between JPEG, PNG, and WebP formats based on your requirements. Additionally, Tinify’s tool automatically compresses images for better performance, ensuring you have the smallest file size without compromising quality.

How do I save a PNG to WebP?

You can convert a PNG to a WebP file by using an image software or an online image converter such as Tinify. Simply drag your image to Tinify’s homepage, choose “convert your images automatically,” and select “WebP.” Tinify’s converter will then change your PNG image to WebP. Lastly, download the new WebP image version.

Can I convert multiple PNG files to WebP at once?

Tinify’s Web Ultra plan makes it easy to batch-convert PNG, JPEG, and WebP images with a single click. You can drag and drop your images onto the website for quick conversion. This tool is great for bulk image conversion, especially for those who want to convert images to WebP format easily.

💡The Web Ultra subscription allows unlimited conversions, unlike the free and Web Pro subscriptions which limit conversions to three images per session. This means you can optimize your entire website without any restrictions. Find out more about Tinify’s image optimization subscription plans.

Convert JPEG to WebP online for better web speed

WebP images are just as high quality as JPEG images, even though they are smaller in size. Learn to convert JPEG to WebP for better web speed – your website visitors won’t notice any difference in quality! According to Google, WebP files are one-third smaller than JPEGs, which is why they are promoting this new image format. This has led to a lot of people wondering how to change their JPEG images to WebP. However, converting JPEG to WebP requires some extra steps. Luckily, Tinify’s online image converter makes this whole process just as easy as working with JPEGs.

What is a JPEG?

JPEG, or Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpeg extension), is a popular file format for digital images. It was created to standardize image compression without significantly affecting quality, making it ideal for storing and sharing images online.  This is why photographers and web publishers often choose JPEG as their go-to file format – in fact, 40% of all internet images due to their balance between quality and file size.

JPEG uses lossy compression, selectively removing less noticeable details to reduce file size. This makes JPEGs much smaller than uncompressed formats like BMP or TIFF. JPEG supports millions of colors, making it suitable for digital cameras, smartphones, and websites. It also stores metadata, such as location and camera settings.

However, JPEG’s lossy compression can slightly reduce image quality, especially after multiple compressions. Therefore, JPEGs are best for photos and web images but not for infographics or images with sharp edges or text, as these may show artifacts or blurring.

Pros and cons of JPEG

JPEG pros:

  • Compatible with most devices, software, and web browsers, making it easily accessible.
  • Uses efficient compression to reduce file sizes without compromising image quality, supports millions of colors, and allows for storing additional information like location and camera settings in the file,  making it ideal for photography.
  • A popular format for digital cameras, smartphones, and web publishing due to its balance between quality and file size.

JPEG cons:

  • Image quality may slightly degrade with lossy compression, especially after multiple editing cycles.
  • Not ideal for preserving sharp edges or text, leading to artifacts or blurring in certain images. While versatile, it may not be the best choice for images requiring precise detail preservation.

And what’s the difference between JPEG and JPG?

JPG and JPEG are actually the same file format. The only difference is their file extensions. In the past, older Windows and MS-DOS systems had a limit of three characters for file extensions. So, “.jpg” was used for JPEG files in these systems. On the other hand, “.jpeg” is an extension of the same format with the full acronym “JPEG” in its four-character extension.

With advancements in technology, modern operating systems no longer have this limitation. Now, both “.jpg” and “.jpeg” extensions can be used interchangeably. In essence, whether it’s “.jpg” or “.jpeg”, they represent the same JPEG image format.

JPEG vs WebP: Is WebP better than JPEG?

WebP is better than JPEG for web use because it’s typically smaller in file size while maintaining the same image quality. In this way, converting images to WebP can shrink the size of your JPEGs, leading to quicker loading speeds and better website performance. Since major browsers support WebP, it’s definitely the way forward for image formats.

JPEGWebP
Wide compatibility: JPEG is compatible with almost all devices, software, and web browsers, making it a great choice for compatibility across different platforms.But WebP offers smaller file sizes: WebP offers superior compression compared to JPEG, resulting in smaller file sizes for similar image quality. This is especially useful for web content where fast loading times and bandwidth usage are important. The only thing to keep in mind is that WebP isn’t compatible with old browsers like Internet Explorer. For this, make sure you have a fallback option to serve JPEGS instead.
Familiarity: JPEG has been around for a long time and is widely used by photographers, designers, and web developers.But WebP is Google’s preference: Google has been actively promoting WebP as a more efficient image format for the web. While it isn’t a direct ranking factor, using formats recommended by Google can benefit your SEO. Since WebP images are typically smaller in size, this will make up for faster page load times, and Google prioritizes fast-loading websites in search rankings.
Editable: JPEG files are easy to open, edit, and save multiple times.While WebP requires additional steps: You need to use an image converter or specific image software to save your images into WebP.
Comparison table: JPEG vs. WebP

Why convert JPEG to WebP?

  • Smaller file sizes: WebP generally offers superior compression compared to JPEG, resulting in reduced file sizes. This is particularly advantageous for web content, where reducing page load times is essential for user experience and SEO.
  • Improved quality: Despite smaller file sizes, WebP can often maintain similar or even better image quality than JPEG, especially at lower bitrates. This allows for fast-loading web pages without compromising visual fidelity.
  • Modern web compatibility: WebP is now fully compatible with modern web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. Keep in mind that WebP isn’t supported by old browsers like Internet Explorer.
  • Google’s choice: Developed by Google with a focus on web performance, WebP is actively promoted for adoption. For instance, PageSpeed Insights suggests website owners switch to WebP, offering a short explanation of how WebP and AVIF image formats offer superior compression compared to JPEG and PNG, which results in quicker downloads and reduced data usage.
JPEG – 96KB

WebP – 31KB

Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash

In this instance, the initial JPEG image is 96KB. After using Tinify’s image converter to convert it to WebP, the image size reduces to 31KB. Despite being much smaller, the image maintains its high-quality.

Does converting JPEG to WebP lower quality?

Converting JPEG to WebP doesn’t inherently lower quality. In fact, WebP is designed to maintain image quality while achieving smaller file sizes compared to JPEG. 

For instance, according to a study done by design agency Dodonut, in most situations, you can replace JPEG with WebP format. They found that WebP and AVIF generally perform better than other image formats, so they suggest using JPEG only when these newer formats are not an option.

However, the quality of WebP images can be affected by different factors, especially the conversion tool you use. When converting from JPEG to WebP, it is important to adjust compression levels. Higher compression can reduce file sizes but may result in a slight loss of detail, especially in intricate areas like fine textures or gradients. Finding the right balance between compression and quality is crucial for optimal results.

Fortunately, Tinify’s image optimization tool simplifies this process. Our intelligent image converter eliminates the need to adjust multiple parameters, making the conversion process effortless. Our user-friendly interface reduces complexity, allowing you to easily select the desired image format output with just one click. Whether you’re converting JPEG to WebP or other formats, Tinify ensures the best quality-to-size ratio without sacrificing simplicity or efficiency.

Tinify's image converter example of JPEG to WebP on the homepage

How to convert a JPEG to WebP online?

Convert your JPEG files to WebP format easily with Tinify’s free converter, no need to create an account or install new software. Upgrade to Web Ultra for endless conversions.

  1. Add your picture: Pick the image you wish to change and either click or drag it into the converter’s interface. 
  2. Choose WebP as the output Format: Opt for “convert your images automatically” and select WebP as the desired format for the image conversion. The conversion will begin automatically. 
  3. Get the converted image: Once the conversion is complete, just click the download button to save the WebP image on your computer.

💡 With Tinify’s online image converter tool, you can pick between JPEG, PNG, and WebP formats to suit your needs. In addition, Tinify’s image converter also compresses images automatically for optimal performance, ensuring you get the smallest file size without losing quality.

How do I save a JPEG to WebP?

To save a JPEG to a WebP file, you can use an image software or an online image converter like Tinify. Just drag your image to Tinify’s homepage, select “convert your images automatically” and choose “WebP”. Tinify’s converter will then convert your JPEG image to WebP. Finally, you just need to download the new WebP image version.

Tinify’s smart image compressor simplifies the process by removing unnecessary settings and options. The user-friendly interface allows you to easily convert images with just a few clicks.

How to bulk convert JPEG to WebP?

Tinify’s Web Ultra plan simplifies the process of converting PNG, JPEG, and WebP images with just one click by allowing you to drag and drop your images onto the website. This tool streamlines bulk image conversion, especially for users looking for a straightforward way to convert images to WebP format. 

“I mostly use Shopify and Google Sheets, which are free to me, so paying for a tool means it’s really improving my workflow somewhere. Web Ultra allows me to optimize images in bulk without any restrictions. By compressing and converting my clients’ images to WebP, I typically save up to 70%. That’s why I’ve been suggesting Tinify to my clients for quite some time now. I always remind them to be proactive and optimize their images for improved website performance.”

💡 Unlike the free and Web Pro subscriptions, which limit conversions to three images per session, the Web Ultra subscription offers unlimited conversions. This means you can convert as many images as you need without any restrictions, allowing you to optimize your entire website effortlessly. Learn more about Tinify’s image optimization subscription plans.

Tinify’s Web Ultra: A new plan to compress and convert unlimited images

Introducing Tinify’s new website… And Tinify’s Web Ultra!

Tinify’s website was long due to a makeover, but we wanted to hold off until the official launch of Web Ultra, a new plan to compress and convert unlimited images online.

Web Ultra offers even more possibilities compared to Web Pro. Just like before, you can easily drag and drop your images onto Tinify’s homepage. However, with Tinify’s Web Ultra, you can enjoy the freedom of compressing your images without any restrictions while converting them as many times as you need. Moreover, you can now upload images up to 150MB, which is double the limit of Web Pro. Enjoy the enhanced features with Tinify’s Web Ultra!

Tinify’s Web Ultra: Convert and use WebP images on your website

Tinify’s image compression and converter tool simplifies the way users handle images online, providing a user-friendly solution, especially for those seeking an easy way to convert images to WebP

This next-gen image format has gained significant traction due to its remarkable reduction in size compared to traditional PNG and JPEG formats. Google, the creator of WebP, designed it specifically as a superior alternative, ensuring that WebP images inherently boast smaller sizes for faster loading on web pages.

The difference between a WebP image and a JPEG/PNG image might not be apparent in terms of quality, but the file size discrepancy is striking. With the introduction of our new image converter tool, users can now seamlessly convert and automatically compress JPEG and PNG images into the WebP format, further aligning with the industry’s push towards more efficient and faster-loading web content.

Tinify’s latest image converter tool allows both Tinify’s Web Ultra and API users to convert an unlimited number of images. If you’re using our online image tool as a free or Web Pro user, you have the convenience of converting up to 3 images per session directly on our website. On the other hand, API free users can take advantage of 500 free image conversions/compressions.

Why converting and compressing images to the smallest size possible is important for your website:

  • Faster loading times: Smaller image files load quicker, reducing the time visitors wait for your website to become interactive.
  • Improved user experience: Quick-loading images enhance the overall experience, potentially reducing bounce rates and keeping visitors on your site longer.
  • Enhanced performance on mobile: Compressed images are particularly important for mobile users, who may have limited bandwidth and slower connections.
  • SEO benefits: Search engines, like Google, favor websites that load quickly, which can improve your search engine rankings.
  • Improving conversion rates: A fast, responsive site can lead to higher conversion rates as it keeps potential customers engaged.
  • Reduced bandwidth usage: Compressing images saves bandwidth, which can lower hosting costs and is beneficial for users with data limits.
  • Increased storage space: Smaller image files take up less server or cloud storage space, facilitating better resource management.

Choose between 5 products to optimize your images

Online interface – Web Pro and Web Ultra

1. Web Pro

The Web Pro subscription costs 39 USD per license, per year, and is for the drag-and-drop area on the tinypng.com website. Free users can upload up to 20 images at a time with a maximum file size of 5MB per image. The Web Pro subscription removes the upload limit and increases the maximum file size to 75MB.

Customer story: Tinify’s Web Pro for faster websites 

Lebanese-based Nascode, an international marketing, advertising, and software development agency, opted for upgrading to Tinify’s Web Pro yearly subscription to meet the growing demand for image optimization. Nader Stouhi, Managing Partner and Developer at Nascode, explained that they were looking for a solution to help their customers whenever they reported having a slow website. Compressing their images with Tinify’s online tool immediately helped them display images faster.

Furthermore, compressing images not only ensures that images look stunning while remaining efficiently sized but also results in cost savings by reducing server resource usage. According to Nader, they regularly compress their images in order to save up on server storage space and cut down on bandwidth costs.

“The Web Pro subscription allows us to optimize our images for faster websites and mobile applications for our clients”

Nader Stouhi, Managing Partner and Developer at Nascode

2. Web Ultra

Tinify’s Web Pro is the latest subscription plan with drag-and-drop feature for 149 USD per license, per year. Unlike the free and Web Pro subscription, which limit you to converting only 3 images per session, the Web Ultra subscription offers unlimited conversions. Additionally, you can upload images up to 150MB in size.

Tailored to your website – TinyPNG WordPress Plugin and API

3. WordPress Plugin

For websites made in WordPress, Tinify made an image compression plugin that can help you optimize your JPEG, PNG, and WebP images. This plugin provides two options for compressing existing images: a convenient bulk optimization tool or manual selection from the list. Additionally, the plugin offers three methods for handling newly optimized images – you can choose to have them optimized after upload, during upload, or not compress them at all. As a bonus, the plugin allows you to compress up to 500 images per month for free. 

“I’m not really sure what the disadvantages were of using other WordPress plugins, but Tinify is a lot easier to use and I just kept using it. One of the differences is that with the TinyPNG plugin, you pay per compression, while others ask for monthly or yearly subscriptions, which ends up being more expensive.”

Jacco de Jager, Freelance illustrator and web designer

4. Developer API

Developers have the option to compress and convert images using Tinify’s API subscription, with the first 500 compressions/conversions available for free. In addition, you can automatically resize your images, add colors to transparent backgrounds, and save your images directly in your Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage buckets. 

Customer story: Tinify’s API Developer for quality retention

Digital agencies understand the critical role of fast-loading, high-quality images in retaining user engagement. While there are many alternatives in the image optimization market, one of the biggest challenges digital agencies face is to find a tool that can reduce file sizes without compromising image quality.

This was one of the challenges Seonguck Kim, the CEO of Korean-based digital agency Aresjoy, faced back in 2016. The agency was particularly focused on optimizing user-uploaded images, which were often high in file size due to smartphone photos. Tinify’s image compression service stood out as a solution that could meet these needs. Seonguck praised Tinify’s user-friendly interface and compression quality, setting it apart from other solutions:

“Tinify’s API was a great help in improving web page loading speed and reducing traffic costs by reducing the image file sizes while maintaining quality.”
Seonguck Aresjoy

Seonguck Kim, CEO of Aresjoy

5. Tinify CDN 

Tinify CDN is an image content distribution network designed specifically to automatically optimize your images and deliver them from servers worldwide. Your content will be served via the “points of presence” making it lightning-fast and as close as possible to your users. The CDN is a monthly subscription, and you can choose from the most basic plan to an enterprise one.

We are very focused on performance because the websites we build have very large quantities of images and they have to be very high-resolution. To give you an example, we serve up about 200GB of images alone from one website. So it didn’t just speed up the website when we used Tinify CDN, it was speeding up that import process.”

TL;DR

  • Introducing Tinify’s Web Ultra, a new plan for compressing and converting unlimited images online.
  • It offers more possibilities compared to Web Pro.
  • Tinify’s Web Ultra allows unlimited image compressions and conversions, with a maximum upload size of 150MB (double the limit of Web Pro).
  • This is the perfect solution for users looking to convert their images to WebP, which significantly reduces image size compared to PNG and JPEG formats.