How to Convert Images to WebP on Mac - Complete Guide 2025

What is WebP and Why Convert to It?

WebP is Google's modern image format that provides superior compression compared to traditional JPEG and PNG files. WebP images are typically 25-35% smaller than JPEG files at equivalent quality, making them essential for modern web performance. With support for both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation, WebP is the ideal format for web developers, content creators, and anyone looking to optimize their images.

Method 1: Using Preview (Built-in Mac App)

The simplest way to convert images to WebP on Mac is using the built-in Preview application:

1. Open Preview - Find it in your Applications folder or use Spotlight search
2. Open your image - File → Open, then select your JPEG, PNG, or other image file
3. Export the file - File → Export As
4. Choose WebP format - Select WebP from the Format dropdown (available in macOS 11+)
5. Adjust quality - Use the Quality slider to balance file size and image quality
6. Save - Choose your destination and click Save

Batch Conversion with Preview

For multiple files, you can use Preview's batch export feature:

1. Select multiple image files in Finder
2. Right-click and choose "Open With" → "Preview"
3. In Preview, select all images (Cmd+A)
4. Go to File → Export Selected Images
5. Choose WebP format and quality settings
6. Select destination folder and export

Method 2: Using Photos App

If your images are in the Photos app, you can convert them to WebP:

1. Open Photos and select the images you want to convert
2. Export - File → Export → Export Photos
3. Choose WebP format - Select WebP from the format options
4. Adjust settings - Set quality and size options
5. Export - Choose destination and click Export

Method 3: Using Terminal (Command Line)

For advanced users, you can convert images to WebP using Terminal with the built-in sips command:

# Convert single file to WebP
sips -s format webp input.jpg --out output.webp

# Convert all JPEG files in a folder to WebP
for file in *.jpg; do
    sips -s format webp "$file" --out "${file%.*}.webp"
done

# Convert with quality setting
for file in *.jpg; do
    sips -s format webp -s formatOptions 80 "$file" --out "${file%.*}.webp"
done

# Convert PNG files to WebP
for file in *.png; do
    sips -s format webp "$file" --out "${file%.*}.webp"
done

Method 4: Using Online Converters

For quick conversions without installing software, online WebP converters are available:

• CloudConvert - Supports batch conversion and various input formats
• Convertio - Simple drag-and-drop interface
• Online-Convert - Advanced quality settings and batch processing
• ILoveIMG - Free online image converter with WebP support

Method 5: Third-Party Applications

For professional workflows and advanced features, third-party applications offer superior functionality:

Freshly Squeezed - The Ultimate WebP Converter

Freshly Squeezed is specifically designed for Mac users who need powerful WebP conversion capabilities:

• Batch Processing - Convert hundreds of files simultaneously
• Quality Control - Fine-tune WebP settings with visual sliders
• Multiple Input Formats - Convert from JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, and more
• Smart Aspect Ratio Handling - Maintain or convert to specific dimensions
• Preset Management - Save custom settings for different use cases
• One-Time Purchase - No subscriptions, own it forever

WebP vs Other Formats: Understanding the Benefits

Feature	WebP	JPEG	PNG
File Size	25-35% smaller than JPEG	Larger	Largest
Quality	Excellent compression	Good quality	Lossless
Transparency	Yes	No	Yes
Animation	Yes	No	No
Browser Support	Wide (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)	Universal	Universal
Web Performance	Best	Good	Poor

Common WebP Conversion Issues and Solutions

Issue: "WebP format not available in Preview"

Solution: WebP support in Preview requires macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. Update your Mac or use a third-party converter like Freshly Squeezed.

Issue: Poor quality after conversion

Solution: Use high-quality settings when exporting. In Preview, set WebP quality to 90-95%. In Freshly Squeezed, use the "Quality Preservation" mode and adjust the quality slider.

Issue: Transparency not preserved

Solution: Ensure you're converting from PNG files with transparency. WebP supports transparency, but the source image must have an alpha channel.

Issue: Large file sizes after conversion

Solution: WebP should produce smaller files than JPEG. If files are larger, check your quality settings and ensure you're using lossy compression for photographs.

Issue: Browser compatibility problems

Solution: While WebP has wide browser support, always provide fallback images for older browsers using HTML picture elements or progressive enhancement.

Best Practices for WebP Conversion

• Choose the right compression - Use lossy for photographs, lossless for graphics with sharp edges
• Optimize quality settings - Start with 80-90% quality and adjust based on your needs
• Batch process efficiently - Convert multiple files at once to save time
• Test browser compatibility - Verify WebP images work across different browsers
• Provide fallbacks - Always include JPEG/PNG fallbacks for older browsers
• Monitor file sizes - Ensure WebP files are actually smaller than originals
• Preserve metadata when needed - Keep EXIF data for professional workflows

When to Use Each Conversion Method

Use Preview for:

• Occasional single file conversions
• Quick format changes
• Basic quality adjustments

Use Photos App for:

• Converting photos from your library
• Maintaining organization within Photos
• Simple batch exports

Use Terminal for:

• Automated workflows and scripts
• Server-side processing
• Power user automation

Use Online Converters for:

• One-off conversions
• When you can't install software
• Quick testing of WebP format

Use Freshly Squeezed for:

• Professional web development workflows
• Large batch conversions
• Advanced quality control
• Custom preset management
• Ecommerce image optimization

WebP for Web Performance

WebP format is crucial for modern web performance optimization. Google's PageSpeed Insights recommends WebP for faster loading times, and many content delivery networks (CDNs) automatically serve WebP images to supported browsers. By converting your images to WebP, you can:

• Reduce page load times by 25-35%
• Improve Core Web Vitals scores
• Lower bandwidth costs
• Enhance user experience on mobile devices
• Boost SEO rankings through better performance metrics

Conclusion

Converting images to WebP on Mac is essential for modern web development and content creation. While built-in tools like Preview work well for basic conversions, professional users and those dealing with large volumes of images will benefit from specialized applications like Freshly Squeezed.

Choose the method that best fits your needs, whether it's a quick single-file conversion or a comprehensive batch processing workflow. Remember to always test your WebP images across different browsers and provide fallback formats for maximum compatibility.