WEBP vs Y4M
A detailed comparison of WebP Image and YUV4MPEG2 — file size, quality, compatibility, and which format to choose for your workflow.
WebP Image
Raster & Vector ImagesWebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior lossless and lossy compression. Files are typically 25-35% smaller than equivalent JPEG or PNG images at the same visual quality.
About WEBP filesYUV4MPEG2
Video FilesYUV4MPEG2 (Y4M) is a simple uncompressed video format that stores raw YUV pixel data with a minimal header. It is widely used as an intermediate format for video processing and quality benchmarking where no compression artifacts are acceptable.
About Y4M filesStrengths Comparison
WEBP Strengths
- Smaller file sizes than JPEG, PNG, and GIF at equivalent visual quality.
- Single format for lossy photos, lossless graphics, transparency, and animation.
- Full alpha channel support with smaller files than PNG.
- Now universally supported in all modern browsers.
- Open-source reference implementation (libwebp) by Google.
Y4M Strengths
- Uncompressed raw YUV — codec benchmark truth.
- Dead-simple header.
- Universal codec development support.
Limitations
WEBP Limitations
- Some older software and image editors still don't read WebP natively.
- Max dimensions are 16,383 × 16,383 — lower than JPEG or PNG.
- Print workflows rarely support WebP (no CMYK, limited color management).
- Editing tools are less mature than JPEG/PNG; round-tripping can lose quality.
Y4M Limitations
- Enormous file sizes.
- Development-only — not for consumption.
- No metadata beyond basic stream params.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | WEBP | Y4M |
|---|---|---|
| MIME type | image/webp | video/x-yuv4mpeg2 |
| Compression | VP8 (lossy) or VP8L (lossless) | — |
| Color depth | 8 bits per channel | — |
| Max dimensions | 16,383 × 16,383 pixels | — |
| Transparency | Full 8-bit alpha channel | — |
| Animation | Supported since WebP 2012 revision | — |
| Extension | — | .y4m |
| Pixel format | — | YUV 4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4 |
| Header | — | ASCII single line |
Typical File Sizes
WEBP
- Web photo (vs JPEG equivalent) 25–35% smaller
- Transparent logo (vs PNG) 20–30% smaller
- Animated replacement for GIF 60–80% smaller
- Hero banner (1920×1080) 150–400 KB
Y4M
- 10 sec 1080p Y4M ~600 MB
- 1 min 4K Y4M ~14 GB
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Convert between WEBP and Y4M online, free, and without installing anything. Encrypted upload, automatic deletion after 60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google in 2010. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation, while delivering files 25-35% smaller than JPEG and PNG equivalents.
WebP is a moderno image formato developed by Google in 2010. It suporta both com perdas e sem perdas compressão, transparência, e animation, while delivering arquivos 25-35% menor que JPEG e PNG equivalents.
WebP files open natively in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and most modern image viewers. On Windows, the Photos app supports WebP. On macOS, Preview handles it from macOS Big Sur onward.
WebP arquivos abrir natively in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, e most moderno image viewers. no Windows, the Photos app suporta WebP. On macOS, Preview handles it de macOS Big Sur onward.
AVIF offers even better compression than WebP (up to 50% smaller) but has less browser and software support. Use WebP for broad compatibility today. Choose AVIF for cutting-edge web performance if your audience uses modern browsers.
AVIF oferece even better compressão than WebP (up to 50% smaller) mas has less browser e software support. usar WebP para broad compatibilidade today. Choose AVIF para cutting-edge web performance if your audience uses moderno browsers.