Squarespace WebP Support Rollout
Squarespace is rolling out WebP support to improve site performance. This Google-developed image format creates smaller file sizes without losing quality, which means faster loading times and better SEO potential.
The feature started with Circle members and includes automatic conversion of existing images through Squarespace's CDN. Your visitors will see WebP images if their browser supports it, or the original format if not.
TL;DR:
- WebP is Google's image format that compresses better than JPEG or PNG while keeping quality
- Squarespace rolled this out to Circle members first, with wider availability following
- Existing images get automatically converted to WebP in the CDN
- Browsers that support WebP see the optimized version, others see the original
- You can opt out of automatic conversion if needed
- All original images are backed up during conversion
WebP delivers the same image quality as JPEG and PNG but with significantly smaller file sizes. This means your pages load faster, which visitors appreciate and search engines reward.
The compression works particularly well for photographs and complex images. You'll see the biggest improvements on image-heavy pages like galleries, portfolios, and product listings.
How Squarespace Handles WebP
Squarespace takes care of the technical side automatically. When you upload images, they get processed through the CDN and converted to WebP where appropriate.
The system is smart about browser compatibility. Visitors using modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge will see the WebP versions. Anyone on older browsers gets the original format, so nobody sees broken images.
You can still upload WebP images directly if you prefer to handle conversion yourself. This gives you more control over the compression settings and final output.
Managing Your Images
The automatic conversion happens in the background without affecting your original files. Squarespace keeps backups of everything, so you won't lose your original images during the process.
If you need to disable WebP conversion for specific reasons, there's an opt-out option in your site settings. This might be useful if you're using specialized image formats or have specific quality requirements.
For new uploads, consider preparing WebP versions beforehand using tools like Photoshop or online converters. This gives you more control over the compression and quality balance.
FAQs
When will all Squarespace users get WebP support?
The rollout started with Circle members and expanded to all users over the following weeks. Check your site settings to see if the feature is available.
Can I turn off automatic WebP conversion?
Yes, there's an opt-out setting if you prefer to keep your original image formats. Your original files remain untouched either way.
Should I convert my images to WebP manually?
Not necessary since Squarespace handles it automatically, but manual conversion gives you more control over quality settings if that matters for your site.
Will this affect my existing images?
Existing images get converted automatically through the CDN. The process doesn't change your original files, and you can revert if needed.
Jargon Buster
WebP – Modern image format from Google that compresses better than JPEG/PNG while maintaining quality
CDN (Content Delivery Network) – Network of servers that delivers your images quickly to visitors worldwide
Phased rollout – Gradual release of new features to test stability before full deployment
Browser compatibility – Whether different web browsers can display specific file formats
Wrap-up
WebP support is a solid upgrade for Squarespace users focused on site performance. The automatic conversion handles the technical work while keeping your original files safe.
The feature works best when you don't need to think about it. Let Squarespace handle the conversion and focus on creating great content. Your visitors will notice faster loading times, especially on image-heavy pages.
Ready to optimize your Squarespace site further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more advanced techniques and insider tips.