WebP replaces jpg as the image display format in ProoferHive

Sustainability - transparent images - better compression

When files are uploaded to ProoferHive they shall all appear with consistent performance regardless if the original file is a PDF, an image or a video, etc. Therefore, the material is converted to a common format, and really it's about three generated images based on each upload. First, a thumbnail image displayed in the project overview, then a higher resolution image for the review and finally a thumbnail for the notifications.

WebP is an image format developed by Google. The format gives an average of 39% smaller file size compared to jpeg in the corresponding quality. ProoferHive clearly shows image enhancement when zooming in during review. Transparency is supported, which means that png with transparency is now reproduced correctly. WebP is generally an alternative to jpg, png and gif nowadays.

The reason why we are changing the format right now is related to the launch of a special feature for measuring print area.

The client who uses this feature needs accurate measurement of the printing area before printing of packaging on plastic material. This as a self-written part of their sustainability work.

The fact that we have not made the format change before is due to the fact that the Safari browser only started supporting Webp in version 14. Right now, only 9% of our users use older Safari, compared to 15% last winter. 91% use either Google Chrome, FireFox, Microsoft Edge or later Safari.

So, how do we handle users with older Safari? The solution to this is called "on-the-fly" and means that when a user with a browser that does not support Webp opens a tab or review page that contains a WebP image, the system senses this and immediately generates a jpg "on-the-fly".

The additional image file takes a bit of storage space. As a solution, the jpg copy is deleted after 1 month. Everything to save space. However, it is generated again if someone returns to tile file afterwards.