Convert GIF to WebP
Turn GIF images into WebP images that load faster on the web. Everything happens in your browser, so your images never leave your device.
Why convert GIF to WebP?
GIF's 256-colour limit and heavy animated files make it a poor fit for anything beyond simple graphics and short loops. WebP files are typically 25–35% smaller than JPG at similar quality and can keep transparency, so pages load faster.
Transparency is kept
Both GIF and WebP support transparency, so transparent areas carry over without a fill colour.
Animated GIF files
If your GIF is animated, only the first frame is converted and you get a still WebP. Even though WebP can be animated, Format Hero saves still images only, so the animation isn't carried over. Non-animated GIF files convert as normal.
File size and quality
WebP is lossy: it drops detail the eye is unlikely to notice in exchange for much smaller files. For photos the WebP is typically a fraction of the GIF size; for flat graphics and screenshots the saving is smaller. Sharp edges and text can pick up faint artefacts. You can set the WebP quality before converting; the default of 90% keeps differences hard to spot.
GIF and WebP compared
| Property | GIF | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless, 256 colours | Lossy or lossless |
| Transparency | On/off only | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | Yes |
| Typical file size | Small for simple graphics; large for animations | Small |
| Best for | Short animations, simple graphics | Images on websites |
| Support | Universal | All modern browsers; patchy in older apps |
Questions
Can I convert an animated GIF?
Yes, but only the first frame is kept, so you get a still WebP.
Will converting GIF to WebP reduce quality?
Slightly. WebP is lossy, so very fine detail and sharp edges can soften a little in exchange for a much smaller file. Raise the quality setting if you see artefacts around text or edges.
Can everyone open WebP files?
All current browsers display WebP (Safari since version 14). Windows 11 and macOS open it, and most editors handle it now, though Photoshop only added built-in support in 2022. Older apps and many upload forms still don't.
Are my GIF images uploaded anywhere?
No. The conversion runs in your browser, on your own device, so your images are never sent to a server. Once the page and converter have loaded, it keeps working even if your connection drops.