Revolutionary WebP Image Format for WordPress

As the internet transforms, image format technology must also evolve. That’s where WebP comes in, an innovative image format created by Google. It reduces image sizes while preserving quality, making it a superior alternative to traditional JPEG, PNG, and GIF formats.

The Popularity of WordPress Integration with WebP

WordPress is a widely utilized content management system nationwide. With options for plugin installations, WordPress allows users to upload WebP images for a faster and efficient website experience.

Let’s Dive into The Step-by-Step Process of Uploading WebP Images in WordPress

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Prior to uploading WebP images, firstly, ensure your server, website host, and browser support WebP. Fortunately, modern browsers, including Firefox and Google Chrome, support the WebP format.

Step 2: Install Plugin

To upload WebP images to WordPress, add a plugin that can convert existing images to WebP. Several popular converter plugins for WordPress include Optimole, Imagify, EWWW Image Optimizer, and ShortPixel.

Here’s how to install and activate ShortPixel:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. On the sidebar, click on Plugins.
3. Click on Add New.
4. On the top right corner, type “ShortPixel” in the search bar.
5. Once available, click Install Now.
6. After installation, click Activate.

Step 3: Plugin Configuration

Configure the WebP converter plugin to convert the images automatically.

Here’s how to configure ShortPixel:

1. Click on ShortPixel options under Settings in the ShortPixel plugin.
2. Select WebP under Advanced.
3. Click on Save Changes.

Step 4: Uploading the WebP Images

After installing and configuring the WebP converter plugin, the next step is to upload your WebP images to WordPress.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. On the sidebar, click on Media.
3. Click on Add New.
4. Select the WebP image you want to upload.
5. Click on Open.

Step 5: WebP Image Optimization

After uploading the WebP images, optimize them to optimize the website’s speed and reduce the image’s size. The same WebP converter plugin installed in step two can optimally do this job.

Here’s how to optimize WebP Images:

1. Click on ShortPixel options under Settings in the ShortPixel plugin.
2. Select WebP under Advanced.
3. Click on Save Changes.

Step 6: Update Your Website’s Code

To ensure all supported browsers view WebP images, update your website’s code. The following code replaces JPEG or PNG images with WebP images when users with supported browsers visit the website:

Create a .htaccess file in the root folder of your website.

Add the following code to the .htaccess file:

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_ACCEPT} image/webp
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} /(.*).(jpe?g|png)$
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME}.webp -f
RewriteCond %{HTTP_COOKIE} !(^|;\s*)no_webp($|;)
RewriteRule .* /path/to/webp-converter.php?file=%{REQUEST_URI}&type=%{HTTP_ACCEPT} [L]
</IfModule>

Please replace “/path/to/” with the path of your file on your webserver.

Step 7: Test the Website

After updating the website’s code, it’s time to test the website to ensure everything works correctly. You can check if WebP images display on different browsers and use WebP Test for a quick confirmation.

The Bottom Line

Uploading WebP images on WordPress can play a vast role in improving the website’s speed, offering high-quality images to visitors. By following the above steps, users can easily upload WebP images and enjoy faster website performance. Remember to update your website’s code to display WebP images to supported browsers for everyone to enjoy.