What is a WebP file?
WebP is an image format Google released in 2010 to make web pages load faster. Lossy WebP uses the same compression as VP8 video; Google's own study found it 25–34% smaller than JPEG at the same visual quality. It also has a lossless mode that usually beats PNG, plus transparency and animation.
Because it saves bandwidth, most large sites now serve WebP. That is why an image you right-click and save often arrives as .webp even when the site showed it like any other picture. Every current browser displays WebP, but some desktop apps, print shops and upload forms still only take JPG or PNG.
WebP at a glance
| Full name | WebP (Google image format) |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .webp |
| Created by | |
| Introduced | 2010 |
| Compression | Lossy or lossless; Google measured lossy WebP 25–34% smaller than JPG |
| Transparency | Yes, in both lossy and lossless mode |
| Animation | Yes |
| Opens on | All current browsers, Windows 10+, macOS 11+; some older apps and upload forms reject it |
| Best for | Fast-loading images on websites |
How to open a WebP file
Drag a WebP file into any browser window to view it. Windows 10 and 11 Photos and macOS Preview (Big Sur and later) open it too. When an app refuses it, convert it: WebP to JPG for photos, WebP to PNG to keep transparency.