Image MIME Reference
WebP
WebP Image
image/webp
VS
X Bitmap (Legacy MIME Alias)
image/x-xbm
XBM
A complete technical comparison of WebP Image and X Bitmap (Legacy MIME Alias) — covering compression, feature support, browser compatibility, magic bytes, and when to choose each format.
WebP wins on browser support
Feature Support
| Feature | WebP | XBM |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency (Alpha) | Yes | Yes |
| Animation Support | Yes | ✕ No |
| Progressive Loading | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| HDR Support | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| EXIF Metadata | Yes | ✕ No |
| ICC Color Profile | Yes | ✕ No |
WebP Image
image/webp
Extension
.webp
Container
RIFF
Compression
Lossy / Lossless
Algorithm
VP8VP8L
Color Depth
8-bit
Developed by
Google
Released
2010
Magic Bytes
52 49 46 46 XX XX XX XX 57 45 42 50
X Bitmap (Legacy MIME Alias)
image/x-xbm
Extension
.xbm
Container
C Source Code Header (.h)
Compression
Uncompressed (Source Code)
Algorithm
None
Color Depth
1-bit (Monochrome)
Developed by
MIT / X Consortium (X Window System)
Released
1988
Magic Bytes
23 64 65 66 69 6e 65 (ASCII '#define')
Browser Support Comparison
| Browser | WebP | XBM |
|---|---|---|
|
|
✓ 32+
|
✕ |
|
|
✓ 65+
|
✕ |
|
|
✓ 14+
|
✕ |
|
|
✓ 18+
|
✕ |
|
|
✕ |
✓
|
WebP
WebP Strengths
- Superior lossy compression — 25–35% smaller than JPEG at equivalent quality
- Supports both animation and full alpha transparency
- Lossless mode available with smaller file sizes than PNG
Limitations
- Slower encoding than JPEG, especially for lossless
- Not supported in Internet Explorer or very old browsers
XBM
XBM Strengths
- Can be compiled directly into C or C++ source code without needing an external file loader or binary asset manager
- Human-readable structure allows developers to inspect, edit, or hand-craft tiny icons directly within a text editor
- Extremely predictable and lightweight for 1-bit hardware displays and embedded systems
Limitations
- Strictly limited to 1-bit monochrome (black and white) graphics with no gray or color support
- Text-based C syntax creates massive file bloat compared to binary 1-bit formats like PBM
- Completely deprecated in modern web browsers and desktop GUI frameworks
When to choose which format
WebP
Use WebP when…
- Websites
- Ecommerce
- Mobile Apps
- CMS Images
XBM
Use XBM when…
- X Window System (X11) Cursors and Icons
- Embedded C/C++ Firmware UI Assets
- Early 1990s Unix Web Graphics