WebP is an image format developed by Google and released in 2010. It was designed to make images on the web smaller without making them look worse, and it supports both lossy compression like JPG and lossless compression like PNG, along with transparency and animation. Today most websites serve WebP images automatically, which is why images you save from your browser often end in .webp.
WebP in brief
- Made by: Google, first released in 2010
- Extension: .webp
- Supports: lossy and lossless compression, transparency, animation
- Main advantage: smaller files than JPG or PNG at similar quality
- Main drawback: some older software and upload forms don't accept it
Why websites use WebP
Smaller images make pages load faster, use less mobile data, and cost site owners less to serve. Google's own comparisons found WebP lossless images around a quarter smaller than PNG, and lossy WebP images noticeably smaller than comparable JPGs. Because every modern browser supports WebP, many sites and image services convert uploads to WebP automatically.
Where WebP works, and where it doesn't
All current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari display WebP. Recent versions of Windows and macOS can open WebP files in their built-in photo viewers, and most modern image editors can open them too.
Problems tend to come up with:
- Older software, including some older versions of Microsoft Office and desktop editors
- Upload forms that accept only JPG or PNG, such as some government, school and job sites
- Printing services and some photo-book websites
- Messaging apps or older phones that don't preview WebP
How to open a WebP file
- Any browser: drag the file into a Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari window
- Windows: the Photos app and Paint open WebP on current versions
- Mac: Preview opens WebP on recent versions of macOS
How to convert WebP to JPG
The quickest way is our free converter, which works in your browser without uploading anything. You can also use built-in apps on Windows, Mac and phones.
Frequently asked questions
Is WebP better than JPG?
For websites, usually yes, because it produces smaller files. For sharing, printing and compatibility, JPG is still the safer choice. See WebP vs JPG.
Is a WebP file safe?
WebP is a standard image format. As with any file, only open images from sources you trust and keep your browser and apps up to date.
Why do images save as WebP when I right-click?
Because the website is serving the WebP version. The site chooses the format, not your browser.
Sources
- Google for Developers, An image format for the Web
- Google for Developers, WebP compression study