What is a WEBP File Format, and how do you open, create, edit, and convert it?

By Admin | Updated 25th September, 2024

WEBP is a raster file format designed to optimize image transmission across the web. It supports lossless and lossy compression, offering smaller file sizes while maintaining high-quality graphics. In this article, you’ll learn about WEBP’s history, common uses, advantages, and drawbacks, and how to open, create, edit, convert, and manage WEBP files.

What is WEBP

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What is a .WEBP file?

A WEBP file is an image format that offers rich, high-quality graphics at a reduced file size. The WEBP format means Web Picture Format and it can be identified using the “. WEBP” extension at the end of the file name.

WEBP is known as Next Gen Image Format. It is usually hyped as the next-gen file format because it supports features such as animation, transparency, and advanced lossless and lossy compression techniques.

It is called Codec since the file format includes decoding and encoding algorithms. It is not merely an image file format. Webmasters and website designers use it to produce richer, smaller graphic files, which speed up the web.

WEBP is unique from other file formats because of the following features:

  • Animation Support: WEBP files support animations like GIFs, although with better quality and efficient compression.
  • Transparency: WEBP files support alpha channel transparency similar to PNG, a feature suitable for web graphics with non-rectangular shapes.
  • Smaller File Sizes: WEBP images are smaller (25-34%) than JPEG and PNG images but preserve the same image quality.
  • Lossy and Lossless Compression: WEBP files support lossy (with some data loss) and lossless (without data loss) compression, allowing users to balance file size and image quality. 

History of WEBP image files

WEBP format was created in September 2010. Google created the file format, but On2 Technologies initially conceptualized the idea. Google acquired On2 Technologies on 7 January 2010.  

A WEBP file type comprises VP8L or VP8 image data and a container derived from RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format). The separate lib-WEBP library serves as a locus execution for the WEBP design.

WEBP was created to enhance web performance and make smaller and richer files without compromising image quality or data loss using lossless and lossy techniques.

WEBP lossless files are 26% smaller than PNG files, while lossy images are 25-34% smaller than JPEG images at the same SSIM quality index. To create and edit a WEBP file, you can use Adobe Photoshop or other software, but plug-ins may be required.

According to Caniuse.com, WEBP is currently used by 96.35% of popular web browsers. Major websites using the format include Nytimes.com, Wordpress.com, Cloudflare.com, Whatsapp.com, Yahoo.com, Github.com, Wordpress.org, Google.com, Instagram.com and Apple.com.

What are WEBP files used for?

WEBP is the next-generation file format created to offer smaller, high-quality images. WEBP files are used for:

  1. Animations: WEBP files produce animated images just like the GIF file type, albeit with enhanced quality and efficient compression.
  2. Transparency: WEBP files, like PNG, support transparency, so they are used to create website icons and logos with transparent backgrounds.
  3. Web Images: WEBP files are used to design and develop web graphics with better loading times because of their efficient compression, resulting in smaller images than legacy formats, including PNG or JPEG. 

How to use WEBP images in WordPress 

To use WEBP images in WordPress websites, ensure you have WordPress 5.8 and above because only these versions inherently support the uploaded WEBP images. Then, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the WordPress Media Library.
  2. Navigate to Dashboard> Media > Add New
  3. Click "Select Files" or Drag and drop to upload your WEBP image.

On the other hand, to use WEBP images in older WordPress versions, plug-ins such as Smush, WebP Converter for Media, ShortPixel Plug-in, EWWW Optimizer, SG Optimizer, and Imagify. For example, to use WebP images on WordPress with plug-ins, do the following:

  1. Go to WordPress Dashboard> Plug-ins> Add New Plug-in
  2. Search WebP in the search box
  3. Select one of the above Plug-ins (e.g., Imagify) > Click the Install button 
  4. Navigate to WordPress Dashboard setting > Select Imagify 
  5. Click the “Create a New Free API Key” button 
  6. Scroll down to “Optimization” > Check the following boxes: Create WebP versions of images and Display images in WebP format on the site.
  7. Click the “Save” button.

Pros and cons of WEBP files? 

WEBP files are ideal for digital and website applications, as they have faster loading times and decreased bandwidth. However, software support and backward compatibility issues must be considered. Below are the benefits and demerits of WebP files.

Advantages of WEBP Files

Advantages of WEBP files

  1. Better Image Quality: WEBP files can retain high image quality while minimizing file sizes, particularly with lossy compression.
  2. Extensive Web Browser Support: WEBP files are supported by various modern web browsers, including Opera, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Chrome, making them ideal for web use.
  3. Efficient Compression: WEBP files support more efficient compression than other file types, such as JPEG or PNG, resulting in 25-34% smaller files while ensuring the same image quality.
  4. Supports lossless and lossy compression: WEBP files support lossless (like PNG) and lossy (like JPEG/JPG) compression, offering flexibility based on the use area.
  5. Supports Transparency: WEBP files natively support alpha channel transparency while ensuring smaller file sizes.
  6. Smaller File Sizes: WEBP images are smaller than PNG or JPEG, resulting in faster image loading times and less network bandwidth consumption.

Disadvantages of WEBP Files

Disadvantages of WEBP files

  1. File Size with Transparency: Although WEBP files support alpha channel transparency, the subsequent file sizes can be larger than anticipated, particularly compared with fully optimized PNG files or images.
  2. Compression Artifacts: WEBP files are smaller, but their lossy compression may result in compression artifacts, particularly at smaller file sizes.
  3. Encoding Speed: The WEBP file format's encoding, particularly in lossless mode, is comparatively slower than that of PNG and JPEG file formats, making it unsuitable for some work plans.
  4. Compatibility Issues: Some Content Management Systems (CMS), email clients, and older devices may not support WEBP files, making them difficult to display or process.
  5. Limited Support in Certain Software and Browsers: While most current web browsers support WEBP files, legacy browsers such as Internet Explorer and certain image editing programs may not, necessitating alternative options such as PNG or JPG.

How to open a .WEBP file 

To open a WEBP file, use software such as Adobe Photoshop, XnView, Windows Photo App, GIMP, AnyWebP, Microsoft Paint, IrfanView (with plug-ins), or ImageMagick. Alternatively, online file viewers such as Jumpshare or Aspose can be used, which supports Windows, Mac, iPhone, Word, and Android.    

How to open WEBP files in Windows 

To open a WEBP file in Windows, follow the steps below:

  1. Right-click the file
  2. Select Open with > choose Photos.

Alternatively, using web browsers such as Firefox, Edge, or Chrome, do the following to open a WEBP file on Windows:

  • Drag and drop a WebP file into a new tab. It will open for viewing.

How to open WEBP file on Mac  

To open a WebP file on Mac, use the built-in support in the MacOS Preview App and do the following: 

  1. Locate your WebP file
  2. Double Click it to Open in Preview

If it does not open, do the following:

  1. Locate the WebP file 
  2. Right-Click the file
  3. Choose “Open With” > Select “Preview”

How to open WEBP file on iPhone

To open a WEBP file on iPhone, follow the below steps:

  1. Open the Files application > Locate the WebP file.
  2. Long-press the file and click on Share.
  3. Select Safari from the share sheet. 

Note: Safari natively supports WebP images on iPhones. Open the WebP image URL in the Safari browser, and the WebP file should be displayed without problem. 

How to open WEBP file on Android 

To open a WEBP file on Android, use the File Manager App or the Default Gallery App. Follow the steps below to open your WEBP file in the File Manager.

  1. Download and Install File Manager on your Android Phone
  2. Navigate to locate the WebP file
  3. Double-click it (It will open in the Gallery or Photos app).

Note: Most Android phones have the default Photos App or a built-in Gallery supporting WebP files.

How to open WEBP file in Word 

To open a WEBP file in Word, convert it to a supported format. Microsoft Word does not support the insertion and opening of WEBP images. Follow the steps below to open a WEBP file in Word.

  1. Use our online WEBP File Converters 
  • Upload your WEBP file 
  • Choose the preferred file format (PNG or JPEG)
  • Click Convert
  • Download and save the converted image

    2. Insert the Converted file or Image into Microsoft Word

  • Open Microsoft Word
  • Click Insert > Pictures > This Device.
  • Browse and locate your converted JPEG/PNG file > Select it.

How to open WEBP file in Photoshop

To open the WEBP file in Photoshop, ensure you have the correct plug-in or version because the older file format versions are not integrally supported. Do the following to open and view WebP file in Photoshop:

  1. Download and Install Adobe Photoshop on your PC
  2. Launch Photoshop 
  3. Go to File > Open.
  4. Navigate to locate your WebP file > Select it
  5. Click Open.

Online WEBP file viewers

It is possible to view WebP files online. The following web browsers and online file viewers natively support online WebP file viewing:

  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox 
  • Safari
  • Chrome
  • ImageMagick
  • Convertio
  • EZGIF
  • Photopea
  • WebP Viewer 
  • Jumpshare

How to make a WEBP file 

To make a WebP file from scratch, use tools such as libwebp or Pillow. Using libwebp, do the following to create a WebP file.

  1. Download and install libwebp 
  2. Write Code to make a WebP file
  3. Compile the Code (create a WebP file and compile using GCC)
  4. Run the Program

On the other hand, you can create a WebP file by converting other files or images using online file converters such as Convertjack, Img2go, WebP Converter, Zamzar, Online-Convert, Convertio, Jumpshare, and CloudConvert. Choose the file to be converted to WebP, such as PNG or JPEG. 

Visit our image converters and follow the below steps.

  1. Upload the chosen file (JPEG or PNG)
  2. Select WebP as the format you want the file to be converted to
  3. Click Convert and download the converted file

How to create a WEBP file in Photoshop

To create a WEBP file in Photoshop, follow the steps below:

  1. Download and install Photoshop and a WEBP Plug-in 
  2.  Go to New to create or open an existing image
  3. Go to File > Save As or File > Export > Export As
  4. Under the Drop-Down Menu, Choose WebP
  5. Adjust settings (transparency, compression, and quality)
  6. Select the preferred folder > Click Save > OK

How to make a WEBP image on an iPhone

To make a WebP image on an iPhone, use image converter apps such as The Image Converter and Image Convert or use online converts such as Convertjack. To use Image Converter Apps, do the following:

  1. Go to the App Store
  2. Download and Install Image Converter
  3. Launch the App 
  4. Go to File > Navigate to Find any Image (PNG or JPEG > Choose WebP as the output format
  5. Click OK

Alternatively, do the following to create a WEBP Image on iPhone using Convertjack:

  1. Open the preferred web browser.
  2. Go to our WEBP online converter. 
  3. Upload your image
  4. Choose WEBP as the preferred or output format
  5. Click convert.
  6. Download and save the converted file to your iPhone.

How to edit WEBP images 

To edit WEBP images, there are various options to choose from, including:

1. Use Command Line Tools: You can use ImageMagick, a powerful program that allows users to edit, resize, convert, and open WebP files through its command line. 

2. Image Converters: Use XnConvert or Convertjack to convert your WebP file format to other editable formats, such as JPEG or PNG. Then, edit the converted file and convert it back to WebP.

3. Desktop Software: Use software such as Paint.NET, Photoshop, or GIMP to open and edit WebP images.

  • Paint.NET: The tool allows users to use plug-ins for WEBP support and editing.
  • Photoshop: Photoshop can open and edit WEBP files with suitable plug-ins.
  • GIMP: It is an open-source image editor which supports opening, editing, and exporting images in WEBP format.

4. Online Editors: Websites such as CapCut, Canva, or Photopea allow users to upload, open, and edit WEBP files directly in modern web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

How to edit a WEBP file on Windows

To edit a WEBP file on Windows using Paint.NET, do the following?

  1. Download and install Paint.NET.
  2. Launch or Open Paint.NET
  3. Go to File > Open and choose the WebP file.
  4. Go to Tools (edit quality, compression, and transparency using text, shapes, and brush options).
  5. When done, go to File > Save As > WebP
  6. Click Save

How to edit a WEBP file on MAC

To edit a WebP file on Mac, use Preview, image editing software like Photoshop or GIMP, online editors such as Pixlr or Photopea, and online converters and editors, including ImageMagick. Using Preview, do the following:

  1. Right-click the WEBP file > Open With > Preview
  2. Go to Tools > Choose resize, crop, shape, and text (editing options). When editing is complete 
  3. Go to File > Export to save it in the preferred format.

How to edit a WEBP file online 

To edit a WebP file online, there are various tools to use. Among the commonly known online WEBP file editors include:

For example, to edit a WebP file online using Photopea, do the following:

1. Go to photopea.com.

2. Click on File (top left corner).

3. Upload the WEBP file or drag and drop the file into the Photopea workspace.

4. Use the editing tools available on the left side of the screen:

  • Use the V tool to position the image.
  • Use the C tool to crop the image.
  • Use E to erase or B to paint.
  • Use T to add text.
  • Adjust color, sharpness, or blurriness under Filter (the top menu).
  • Manage layers in the Layers panel (bottom right).

5. Go to the Image menu and adjust color balance, saturation, contrast, and brightness.

6. Go to the Filter menu and apply different artistic effects.

7. When done, click on File and choose Export As > Choose WEBP > Adjust size and quality. 

8. Click Save.

How to resize WEBP files 

To resize a WEBP file, use online and offline WEBP resizers such as:

  • Pixlr
  • Photopea
  • ResizePixel
  • Online Image Resizer (iLoveIMG or Simple Image Resizer)
  • XnConverter
  • GIMP
  • IrfanView
  • Photoshop 

For example, use GIMP to resize your WEBP file by following the steps below:

  1. Download and Install GIMP on your Computer
  2. Launch the GIMP
  3. Go to file > Open > Choose the WEBP file > Open or Right-Click the WebP file > Open With > GIMP
  4. Go to Image > Scale Image > Adjust Size > Export.

How to repair WEBP files  

To repair a corrupted WEBP file, use Hex Editor Repair, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizzard, or Stellar Repair for Photo. Using the Stellar Repair for Photo, follow the below steps to repair your WebP file.  

  1. Download and Install Stellar Repair for Photo
  2. Launch the Program 
  3. Click the “Add File” button on the main interface.
  4. Navigate to locate and choose the corrupted WebP file to be repaired.
  5. Click the "Repair" button. 
  6. clicking “Preview” when the repair process is complete
  7. Click "Save Repaired Files"

How to recover WEBP files 

To recover a corrupted WEBP file, check trash or recycle bin, check backups (local or Cloud), use Time Machine (Mac) or File History (Windows), or use file recovery Software such as TestDisk and PhotoRec., Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Recuva. 

Using Disk Drill, do the following to recover your WEBP file:

  1. Download and install the Disk Drill software.
  2. Choose the folder or drive where the WEBP file is saved.
  3. Run the scan to repair the corrupted, lost, or deleted WEBP file.
  4. Preview the recovered WEBP file and Click "Restore."

How to compress WEBP files

To compress a WEBP file, use the following options:

  1. Online Tools: Various websites allow users to compress WEBP files without installing any program. Examples of such websites include Online Image Compressor, Squoosh, or TinyPNG. The tools enable users to upload the WEBP file, reduce the size and adjust quality, and download and save the compressed WEBP version.
  2. Use Software
  • ImageMagick: The software has a command-line interface that compresses a WEBP file with 75% quality.
  • GIMP: The program supports WEBP and allows users to open, Export a file as WEBP and minimize size and quality using the export options.
  • Photoshop with a Plug-in: The tool allows users to open, edit, and save the compressed WEBP file.

To compress a WebP file using Photoshop, do the following:

  1. Download and install Photoshop with a Plug-in
  2. Launch the Program 
  3. Go to File > Open, and choose the WEBP file to be compressed.
  4. Once open, go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).
  5. Under the Save for Web dialog box, choose an option to adjust image quality. 
  6. Change the file format to WEBP.
  7. Choose WEBP from the drop-down menu and adjust the quality slider to compress the image.
  8. Adjust the dimensions or resize the WEBP image.
  9. Check the Preview option (It helps determine how compression affects WebP image quality).
  10. Click Save to export the compressed WEBP file.

How to convert WEBP files 

You can convert WEBP files to GIF, JPG (JPEG), PNG, PDF, SVG, JPEG 2000, BMP, and TIFF using Convertjack. To realize this, visit our WebP file converter and follow the three steps below:

  1. Upload the WEBP file
  2. Select your preferred format 
  3. Click Convert, then download and save the converted file

Remember: The tool allows you to do batch conversion if you have multiple WEBP files to convert.

WEBP Files Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 What is WEBP full form?

WEBP, in full form, stands for Web Picture Format.

WEBP is a raster image format comprising a grid of pixels holding a particular color value. WEBP images lose quality and become blurry when scaled up.

Yes, WEBP animation is possible. Animated WEBP files have multiple frames, like GIFs, allowing users to create looping sequences or short animations.

To create WEBP animations, do the following: 

  1. Choose images to be animated. Ensure they are in compatible formats such as JPEG or PNG.
  2. Adjust the WEBP images to the preferred styles and size
  3. Use Online Tools such as EZGIF or CloudConvert to convert the file into an animated WEBP file. 
  • Specify the frame duration and other settings.
  • Convert the image and download the animated WEBP file.

Alternatively, use the GIMP software by following the steps below: 

  1. Download and install GIMP
  2. Launch GIMP and import WebP images as layers 
  3. Go to File > Open as Layers.
  4. Go to File > Export As > Choose WEBP > Tick or Check the animation option.
  5. Set the frame delay > Export.
  6. Test the created animation.

Yes, WEBP supports transparency through an alpha channel. WEBP transparency allows images to have transparent backgrounds, making them suitable for creating logos, web graphics, and other images where transparency is needed.

WEBP compatibility has improved in recent years. Modern web browsers like Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Chrome support WEBP files. However, some older software and legacy browsers still lack full support for the format.

WEBP browser support is broad, especially in modern web browsers, including Safari, Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. Its smaller file sizes and faster loading times make it ideal for enhancing website performance. However, some older browsers do not support WEBP. In such cases, developers can use fallback formats like JPEG or PNG by employing techniques like the CSS method. WEBP is an excellent choice for web performance.

WEBP vulnerability refers to security threats related to the image format that can impact the application's decoding or processing of such images. Instances of WEBP exploits include: 

  • Memory Corruption: Errors encountered when handling WEBP files may result in unforeseen actions invaders use to manipulate driver memory.
  • Denial of Service: Deformed WEBP images may make applications hang or crash, disrupting services.
  • Buffer Overflows: A WEBP vulnerability may allow attackers to exploit the weaknesses of image decoding libraries to execute random code by creating malicious WEBP images or files.

Yes, you can open WEBP images in Photoshop. Native support for WEBP was introduced in Photoshop version 22.0 and later. For older versions of Photoshop, users would need to either convert WEBP files to formats like JPEG or PNG or install a plugin like WebPShop to enable WEBP support.

To save animated WEBP in Photoshop, do the following: 

  1. Create a WEBP Animation: Create animation frames using a timeline panel, but ensure all layers match the animation frames.
  2. Export the animation: Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).
  3. Choose WEBP format in the Save for Web dialog drop-down menu.
  4. Change your settings to attain the preferred size, quality, and other options.
  5. Click Save > Locate, select the desired destination folder, and change the file name.

The user's requirements determine whether the WebP format is better than the PNG file type. WebP files support transparency, animation, and lossy compression, resulting in smaller, high-quality images. Conversely, PNG supports a wide color range and lossless compression and enjoys universal software, browser support, and compatibility.     

WEBP format is the best choice for users who prioritize support for animation and smaller file sizes. PNG is preferred when users want wider compatibility and high-quality images, specifically in professional situations. You can check a side by side comparison of WEBP and PNG to inform your decision of the format that satisfies your requirements among the two.

The WEBP image format is deemed better than JPEG regarding compression efficiency and image quality. WEBP files are smaller and preserve almost all image details, resulting in better image quality, mostly at low-resolution levels. Unlike JPEG, WEBP supports transparency and both lossless and lossy compression.

On the other hand, JPEG format is universally compatible and supported by almost all browsers and platforms. Hence, when considering compatibility, JPEG is the best choice in cases where file size and image quality matter; choose WEBP over JPEG. You can also check more details on how the two formats compare to make an informed decision.

Yes. You can remove WebP image backgrounds using the following:

  • Mobile Applications: Mobile applications that support WEBP images and provide background feature removal are Canva, PhotoRoom, PicsArt, Background Eraser, or Adobe Photoshop Mix.
  • Image Editing Software: Use software such as GIMP to select tools that remove WebP files backgrounds manually.
  • Online Background Removers: Use websites such as Canva or Remove.bg to efficiently handle and remove WEBP image backgrounds.

Yes. Safari supports WEBP from version 14 (launched in 2020). Recent versions of Safari support WebP on iOS or macOS. Nonetheless, older versions may not support the file format.

No, not all web browsers support WEBP. It is supported by most modern browsers, including Opera, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari (from version 14). However, older versions of Safari and Internet Explorer do not.

Yes, WEBP files are safe. However, their safety depends on how they are handled or created. Like any file format, vulnerabilities can be exploited, so keeping image-processing libraries and software up to date is crucial to reduce potential security risks.

WEBP is good for SEO because it helps optimize images, leading to a more efficient and user-friendly website. WEBP files are smaller while maintaining high quality, improving webpage loading times. Faster loading times enhance user experience and can positively impact search engine rankings.

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