Lighter images: a simple step toward a faster website

An oversized image can needlessly increase the amount downloaded for a page.

First identify its actual display size; a small card does not need thousands of pixels.

Keep the original so a high-quality copy remains available for later edits.

Export a separate copy as WebP with an image conversion tool.

WebP supports lossy and lossless compression as well as transparency.

Reduce export quality gradually and inspect text and important details at actual size.

For practice, bring an 800-by-600 image below 50 kilobytes if acceptable quality remains.

Do not merely rename the extension; the file must actually be converted to WebP.

Check the new image in the site preview on a phone and computer.

Smaller files help, but titles must remain readable and product details must remain clear.

Official sources

• MDN — Image formats