Why Convert Images to WebP Format in Magento 2?

Converting images to the WebP format in Magento 2 can significantly improve your website’s performance and visibility. Here’s why it’s important:

1. Improved Loading Speed

WebP images are smaller in size compared to older formats like JPEG or PNG—up to 35% smaller—making your site load faster. This reduction in file size means quicker page rendering, which is critical for both user experience and SEO rankings.

2. Reduced Data Usage

Because WebP images are smaller, they require less bandwidth to load, which is especially beneficial for mobile users on limited data plans. Given that a significant portion of eCommerce traffic comes from smartphones, using WebP can help retain mobile users who might otherwise avoid data-heavy sites.

3. SEO Benefits

Search engines like Google prioritize website loading times when ranking pages. Faster-loading sites tend to rank higher in search results. Therefore, by using WebP images, you can boost your Magento 2 store's SEO performance, leading to better organic traffic and, ultimately, improved conversion rates.

4. Efficiency for Bulk Uploads

When uploading thousands of product images to your store, using WebP format can save significant time and effort. WebP’s smaller file sizes make bulk uploads faster and more reliable, reducing the likelihood of failures due to network interruptions.

5. Enhanced User Experience

WebP images load faster, ensuring a smoother shopping experience. Users don’t have to wait for images to appear, which is especially important when browsing products on mobile. This seamless experience encourages customers to explore your site further, reducing bounce rates.

Compatibility with Magento 2

Magento 2 supports WebP images through modules and extensions that integrate easily with your store. These modules enhance product pages, category pages, and CMS pages by optimizing image formats. As WebP continues to be supported by more browsers, it’s becoming an essential format for online stores Emmo.

Converting Images to WebP Format in Magento 2

If you want to improve your Magento 2 store’s performance, converting images to the WebP format can help. WebP images offer better compression without sacrificing quality, making them ideal for faster page load times and improved SEO rankings. There are a couple of ways to convert your images, but each comes with pros and cons.

Method 1: Use Online Tools for Image Conversion

Online tools are one of the quickest ways to convert images to WebP. A simple Google search for "WebP image convert" will lead you to various free tools. The process is straightforward: upload the image, click “Convert,” and then download the WebP version. Finally, upload the converted image to your Magento 2 store.

However, there are a few caveats to be aware of:

• These tools may not always be reliable.
• Free tools often have limits, like a cap on the number of conversions before requiring a paid subscription.

While this method may work for small batches of images, it’s not ideal for larger stores or ongoing needs. It’s better to use an extension designed specifically for Magento 2 to ensure smooth, consistent results.

Method 2: Use a Magento 2 Extension to Convert Images Automatically

For a more efficient and scalable solution, consider using a Magento 2 WebP image conversion extension. Extensions like these provide several benefits over online tools:

• Automatic Conversion: You can select specific folders, and the extension will convert all images within them automatically. This saves you time compared to manually converting images one by one.
• Customization: Admins can control the image size and quality, allowing for more flexibility in optimizing images for the best performance.
• Cross-Browser Compatibility: Extensions ensure that your WebP images will work across all major browsers.
• Advanced Features: Some extensions even offer advanced options like lazy loading, further enhancing your site’s speed.

A good example is the WebP Images Extension by Emmo, which provides these features and more. You can check out the backend and frontend demos to see how it works before making a decision.

How to Configure the Magento 2 WebP Image Converter Extension

If you want to use the Magento 2 WebP Image Converter extension effectively, you'll need to follow these steps to ensure everything works properly. Before diving into the settings, make sure you've completed the prerequisites, as the extension won't function correctly without them.

Pre-requisites

• Install the necessary library:

Run this command in your terminal:

composer require rosell-dk/webp-convert.

• Run the image resize command:

Use:

catalog:image:resize.

• Choose a conversion method:

You have two options for converting images to the WebP format:

CLI command: fme:convert:webp

On Page Load: Images will convert automatically when the page loads.

Extension Settings

Once you've met the prerequisites, go to the extension settings. Here’s a breakdown of the key options:

• Enable/Disable:

Set to 'Yes' to activate the extension. To disable it, select 'No'.

• Quality Level (1-100):

Choose the quality level based on your needs. A lower number means smaller image sizes but reduced quality.

• Conversion Tool:

You have three tools to choose from:

• GD
• CwebP
• Imagick

Each tool has its own compatibility with WebP, so select one based on your server environment.

• Conversion Tool Support:

This will indicate whether the selected conversion tool supports WebP.

• Skip Folders:

If you need to exclude certain folders (like captcha folders), enter their paths here.

• Lazy Loading Attribute:

Enable this option to load images only when they're needed, improving page load times.

• Clear all Generated WebP Images:

If needed, you can delete all WebP images from the 'media' folder using this button.

• WebP Conversion Test:

Enter an image ID to test the conversion process. This will show both the converted WebP image and the original for comparison.