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docs/src/architecture/09_architecture_decisions/0004-webp.md

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+---
+    title: 0004 Store/Display images in WebP format.
+    adr:
+        author: Oleksandr Prokhorenko
+        created: 30-Nov-2023
+        status:  proposed
+    tags:
+        - images
+---
+
+## Context
+
+As we develop our new cross-platform application (supporting Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux),
+we face a decision regarding the choice of image format. The selection of an image format is critical
+for optimizing performance, load times, and the overall user experience across diverse platforms.
+
+## Assumptions
+
+* The WebP format will be adequately supported across all targeted platforms.
+* Adoption of WebP will yield significant benefits in terms of performance and user experience.
+* Our development and design teams will adapt to using WebP without significant challenges.
+
+## Decision
+
+We propose to adopt WebP as our standard image format for both web and native applications.
+This decision is based on several advantages of WebP over JPG and PNG:
+
+* **Superior Compression**: WebP provides better compression than JPG and PNG,
+allowing images to be significantly smaller in size without a noticeable loss in quality.
+This leads to faster loading times and reduced bandwidth usage, which is particularly beneficial for mobile users.
+
+* **Support for Transparency**: Unlike JPG and capable of more efficient transparency handling than PNG,
+WebP supports transparent backgrounds, which is essential for various design elements.
+
+* **Improved Performance**: The smaller file size of WebP directly translates to quicker image loading and rendering,
+contributing to a smoother user experience.
+
+* **Versatility**: WebP is versatile, supporting both lossy and lossless compression,
+making it suitable for a wide range of image types – from photographic images to graphical designs.
+
+* **Future-Proofing**: As a modern format, WebP is increasingly supported by new browsers and platforms,
+making it a future-proof choice.
+
+## Risks
+
+* Some older browsers or platforms might have limited or no support for WebP, necessitating fallback solutions.
+* The development team may need to overcome a learning curve associated with handling a new image format.
+
+## Consequences
+
+* Enhanced application performance across all platforms due to reduced image sizes.
+* Improved loading times, especially critical for mobile users with limited bandwidth.
+* Potential for initial development overhead as tools and processes are adapted for WebP.
+
+## More Information
+
+* [WebP Comparison with Other Formats](https://developers.google.com/speed/webp/docs/webp_study)
+* [Browser Support for WebP](https://caniuse.com/webp)