What is WebP and how to open WebP files
You find a nice picture on a website, save it, and the file ends in .webp. Then your photo editor, an upload form or an older app refuses to open it. That happens to a lot of people, because more and more websites use WebP. Here is what the format is, why sites use it, and the quickest ways to open or convert it.
What is WebP?
WebP is an image format created by Google and released in 2010. It was designed for one main goal: making images on the web smaller, so pages load faster.
WebP can work in two ways:
- Lossy, like JPG – ideal for photos, usually with noticeably smaller files than a JPG of similar quality.
- Lossless, like PNG – keeps every pixel and also supports transparent backgrounds.
It can even store simple animations, like a GIF.
Why do websites use WebP?
Smaller images mean faster pages, which visitors like and search engines reward. That's why online shops, news sites and blogs often deliver their images as WebP. When you save such an image, you get the WebP file, even if the picture originally started as a JPG or PNG.
Where does WebP work – and where not?
All modern browsers – Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari – show WebP images without any problem. Recent versions of Windows and macOS can usually preview them too.
Problems tend to appear in:
- older photo editors and office programs
- some upload forms that only accept JPG or PNG
- printing services and photo kiosks
- older phones, tablets and smart TVs
In all of these cases, converting the image to JPG or PNG solves the problem.
How to open or convert a WebP file
Option 1: Convert it to JPG or PNG (works everywhere)
This is the most reliable fix, and it only takes a few seconds:
- For photos, use our WebP to JPG converter. For logos, graphics or images with a transparent background, use WebP to PNG.
- Drop in your .webp files – up to 20 at once.
- Download the converted images, one by one or together as a ZIP.
Everything happens in your browser, so your images are not uploaded anywhere.
Option 2: Open it in your browser
If you only want to look at the image, drag the .webp file into an open Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari window. The browser shows it right away. This doesn't help, though, if you need to edit, upload or print the file.
JPG or PNG: which should you choose?
- WebP to JPG for photos – smaller files, accepted everywhere.
- WebP to PNG for logos, icons, screenshots and anything with a transparent background – JPG cannot keep transparency and would fill it with white.
Not sure? Our guide JPG vs PNG explains the difference in detail.
Is WebP better than JPG?
For websites, often yes: it keeps similar quality at a smaller size. For everyday use – sharing, editing, printing, uploading – JPG and PNG are still safer, simply because every device and program supports them. A good rule: websites use WebP, people use JPG and PNG.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting WebP to JPG reduce quality?
Only very slightly, and at high quality the difference is not visible. Keep in mind that the WebP was already compressed, so converting cannot make it sharper than it is.
Why is the JPG bigger than the WebP file?
Because WebP compresses images more efficiently than JPG. A bigger file after conversion is normal. If size matters, use Compress Image afterwards.
Will a transparent WebP stay transparent?
Yes, if you convert it to PNG. If you convert it to JPG, transparent areas become white.
Can I convert animated WebP files?
The conversion keeps a single still image. JPG and PNG cannot store animation.
Are my images uploaded?
No. MagicPicTool converts images inside your browser, so they never leave your device.
Try it now – free, no sign-up, and your files stay on your device.
Open WebP to PNG