What Is a WEBP File? WEBP vs PNG and JPG Explained
Quick answer
A WEBP file is an image saved in WebP, a format made by Google to keep image files small. It can be lossy like JPG or lossless like PNG, and it supports transparency and animation. Websites use it because smaller images load faster.
Free tool
WEBP to PNG Converter. Convert WEBP images to PNG in your browser and keep transparency.
Google says WebP lossless images are 26% smaller than PNGs, and WebP lossy images are 25 to 34% smaller than comparable JPEG images at the same quality score. Those savings are why so many sites now serve WEBP, and why you often get a .webp file when you save a picture from a web page.
WEBP vs PNG vs JPG
| WEBP | PNG | JPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy or lossless | Lossless | Lossy |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes | No |
| Animation | Yes | Only as APNG | No |
| File size | Smallest of the three in Google's tests | Largest for photos | Small for photos |
| Support | All current browsers, some older apps lack it | Almost everywhere | Almost everywhere |
| Best for | Images on websites | Logos, screenshots, editing | Photos to share or print |
How to open a WEBP file
Any current web browser can open a WEBP file. Drag it into a Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari window to view it. Many photo apps open it too, but some older editors, print services, Office apps and upload forms still ask for PNG or JPG.
How to convert WEBP to PNG
- Open our WEBP to PNG converter.
- Drag your .webp files onto the box, or click to choose them.
- Click Download next to each image, or Download all as PNG.
The converter runs in your browser, so the images never leave your device. Transparent backgrounds stay transparent, which a JPG cannot do.
When to keep WEBP and when to convert
- Keep WEBP for images on your own website. Smaller files help pages load faster.
- Convert to PNG when an app or form will not accept WEBP, or when you want to edit a logo or screenshot.
- Use JPG for photos you will email or print, where file size matters and transparency does not.
Frequently asked questions
Is WEBP better than PNG?
For websites, usually yes, because files are smaller. For editing, printing or apps that do not read WEBP, PNG is the safer choice.
Why is my converted PNG bigger than the WEBP?
PNG keeps every pixel without throwing detail away, so files grow. Converting does not bring back detail a lossy WEBP already removed.
Will an animated WEBP stay animated after converting?
Not as a PNG. Our converter saves the first frame as a still image.
Is a WEBP file safe?
A WEBP file is an ordinary image format. As with any download, only open files from sources you trust.
