.webp — WebP Image Format
Google · 2010
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images on the web.
Key Features
- Lossless storage behavior for typical image workflows
- Common MIME type: image/webp
- Recognizable file signature: 52 49 46 46 ... 57 45 42 50 (RIFF...WEBP)
- Associated with Google
Best For
- Visual media and web publishing
- Screenshots or photos
- Assets that need broad compatibility
Less Ideal For
- Tasks needing executable logic
- Large datasets or tabular analysis
- Files that must preserve every edit forever
Common Use Cases
- Storing photos or screenshots
- Publishing graphics on websites
- Sharing images in apps and email
How to Open It
- On Windows, open the file with Windows Photos or Adobe Photoshop.
- On macOS, open the file with Preview (macOS 12+) or Adobe Photoshop.
- If the file does not open, confirm that the extension really matches .webp and that the download or transfer completed without corruption.
What is a .webp file?
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images on the web. WebP images are typically 25-34% smaller than equivalent JPEG images and 26% smaller than PNG images while maintaining comparable visual quality. WebP also supports transparency (like PNG) and animation (like GIF), making it a versatile replacement for multiple older formats. All major browsers now support WebP.
Programs That Open .webp Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows Photos | Free | |
| Adobe Photoshop | Paid | ||
| GIMP | Free | ||
| macOS | Preview (macOS 12+) | Free | |
| Adobe Photoshop | Paid |
Common Problems with .webp Files
Frequently Asked Questions
.webp files can be opened with several programs. Windows Photos is one of the most popular choices.
Generally yes, .webp files are safe to open with appropriate software.
Yes, there are many online and offline tools available to convert .webp files. Check the conversion section above for specific methods.
Technical Details
WebP Image Format files use the image/webp MIME type and were first introduced in 2010 by Google. The file can be identified by its signature: 52 49 46 46 ... 57 45 42 50 (RIFF...WEBP).