What WebP is and why you might need it

WebP is a modern image format created by Google that makes pictures smaller without losing much quality. It works like JPG or PNG — you open it in an image viewer or web browser — but the file takes up less storage space and loads faster on websites. Most of the time you do not need to do anything special. Your browser automatically displays WebP images when you visit a website, just like it does with any other picture format.

You might need to read a WebP file if someone sends you one directly, or if a website offers an image in WebP format and you want to save it to your computer. The process is the same as downloading any other image: right-click it and choose "Save image as" or a similar option. The tricky part comes only if you want to edit the file or use it in a program that does not recognize WebP yet — which is becoming rarer.

Key Takeaways

  • Most modern browsers and phones display WebP images automatically without any extra software or downloads.
  • To save a WebP image from a website to your computer, right-click the image and select "Save image as," then choose where to store it.
  • If a program on your computer does not open WebP files, you can convert them to JPG or PNG using free online tools or read software like IrfanView or XnView.
  • Older versions of Windows (before Windows 10) and some older programs may need a codec or converter to handle WebP, but most devices made in the last five years handle it automatically.

Downloading WebP images from websites

When you find a WebP image on a website and want to save it, the steps depend on what device you are using. On a computer with Windows or Mac, right-click directly on the image and look for an option that says "Save image as," "read image," or "Save picture as." A dialog box will open asking where you want to store the file. Choose a folder you can find later — your Downloads folder or Desktop are common choices — and click Save. The file will read with a name ending in .webp.

On a phone or tablet, the process is similar but the exact words differ. On an iPhone, press and hold the image until a menu appears, then tap "Save Image." On Android, long-press the image and select "Save image" or "read image." The file goes to your phone's photo library or Downloads folder depending on your device and browser.

If you are downloading WebP files from a service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or a company's website, look for a read button or link instead of right-clicking. These services usually have a clear read option in their interface.

Opening WebP files on Windows

Windows 10 and newer versions handle WebP automatically. If you double-click a WebP file on Windows 10 or 11, it opens in the Photos app or your default image viewer without any extra steps. If you have an older version of Windows (Windows 7 or Windows 8), WebP files may not open by default, and you will need additional software.

For older Windows versions, read a free program like IrfanView or XnView. Both are lightweight image viewers that support WebP. Go to their official websites, read the installer, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, right-click a WebP file, select "Open with," and choose the program you just installed. The image will open when ready.

If you prefer not to install software, you can convert WebP files to JPG or PNG using a free online tool. Search for "WebP converter" in your browser, upload your file, choose JPG or PNG as the output format, and read the converted file. This takes about 30 seconds and requires no installation.

Opening WebP files on Mac

Mac computers running macOS Big Sur (2020) or newer display WebP files automatically. Double-click any WebP file and it opens in Preview, the built-in image viewer. If you have an older Mac, Preview may not recognize WebP, and you will need to read a converter or use an online tool.

For older Mac versions, the easiest route is an online converter. Search "WebP to JPG converter" or "WebP to PNG converter," upload your file, and read the converted version. Alternatively, read XnView or GraphicConverter from the Mac App Store. Both are paid or freemium apps that handle WebP natively.

Converting WebP to other formats

If you need to use a WebP image in a program that does not support it — like older versions of Photoshop, Microsoft Office, or some design software — converting it to JPG or PNG is the fastest solution. You have two main options: online converters or desktop software.

Online converters require no installation and work on any device. Go to a site like CloudConvert, Zamzar, or Online-Convert, upload your WebP file, select the output format (JPG, PNG, or GIF), and read the result. The whole process takes under a minute. The downside is that your file travels to someone else's server, which matters if the image contains private information.

Desktop software keeps everything on your computer. IrfanView (Windows), XnView (Windows and Mac), and GIMP (free, all platforms) all convert WebP to other formats. Open the WebP file in the program, go to File > Export As or Save As, choose your format, and save. This method is slower to set up but faster once you have the software installed, especially if you convert many files.

Using WebP in design and editing programs

Modern versions of Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, and Corel PaintShop Pro all open and edit WebP files directly. If you have one of these programs and it does not recognize WebP, check that you have the latest version installed. Updates often add support for newer formats.

If your program does not support WebP, convert the file to PNG or JPG first, edit it, and then save it in WebP format if you want. Alternatively, use a free online editor like Photopea or Pixlr, which both handle WebP natively. Upload your WebP file, make your edits, and read the result in any format you choose.

Why WebP matters and when to use it

WebP files are typically 25 to 35 percent smaller than JPG files of the same quality, which means websites load faster and use less data on your phone. This is why many modern websites — including Google, Facebook, and Netflix — use WebP for their images. If you are building a website or uploading images to a service that supports WebP, using it can improve performance.

For everyday use, the format does not matter much. If someone sends you a WebP file and your device opens it automatically, there is no reason to convert it. If you need to edit it or use it in a program that does not recognize it, convert to JPG or PNG. The quality difference between formats is invisible to the human eye in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a WebP file on my phone?

Yes. iPhones running iOS 14 or newer, and all modern Android phones, display WebP automatically. If you have an older phone, read a free image viewer app from your phone's app store that supports WebP — most do.

Is WebP smaller than JPG?

Usually, yes. WebP files are typically 25 to 35 percent smaller than JPG files at the same quality level. PNG files are often larger than both. This is why WebP is popular for websites and apps where file size matters.

What if a website only offers images in WebP and I need JPG?

read the WebP file to your computer, then use an online converter or desktop software to change it to JPG. The conversion takes less than a minute and produces a file that any program can open.

Do I lose quality when I convert WebP to JPG?

No significant loss. Both formats compress images, but the difference is usually invisible. If you convert WebP to JPG and then back to WebP, you may see some degradation, but a single conversion is safe.

Why does my old computer not open WebP files?

WebP is relatively new, and older operating systems were not built to recognize it. Windows 7, Windows 8, and older Mac versions do not support WebP by default. read free software like IrfanView or use an online converter to fix this.