How to Open WebP Files — Windows, Mac, iPhone & Android
WebP is the modern web image format — but many older apps, operating systems, and software tools can't open it natively. Windows Photo Viewer, older Photoshop versions, and some email clients display a blank image or error when you try to open a .webp file. This guide shows you how to open WebP files on any device and how to convert them to JPG or PNG when you need broader compatibility.
Quick Answer
WebP is the modern web image format — but many older apps, operating systems, and software tools can't open it natively. Windows Photo Viewer, older Photoshop versions, and some email clients display a blank image or error when you try to open a .webp file.
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Step-by-Step Guide
5 steps · takes under 1 minute
Open in a web browser (works everywhere)
Drag the .webp file into Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. All modern browsers display WebP natively. This works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android — no software needed.
Windows 10/11 — update Photos app
The Windows Photos app supports WebP on Windows 10 (version 1809+) and Windows 11. If it doesn't work, go to Microsoft Store and install 'Web Media Extensions'. After installing, WebP files open in Photos, Paint, and File Explorer thumbnails.
Mac — use Preview or Safari
Preview on macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later opens WebP natively. Drag the .webp file onto Preview, or right-click → Open With → Preview. On older macOS versions, drag the file into Safari instead.
Photoshop — update to 2021 or later
Adobe Photoshop added WebP support in the March 2021 update via Camera Raw. If you're on an older version, update Photoshop. Alternatively, install the 'WebP Photoshop Plugin' for older versions.
If software still won't open it — convert to JPG
Use the Convert to JPG tool to convert your WebP to JPG or PNG. The converted file will open in every app with no compatibility issues. Download takes under 10 seconds.
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ImgToolkit runs entirely in your browser using the Canvas API. Your images are never sent to a server, never stored in the cloud, and never seen by anyone else. This makes it safe for sensitive documents, client work, medical imagery, and confidential screenshots.
Pro tip
Use 75–85% quality for web images — you get 60–80% smaller files with no visible difference at normal screen sizes.
WebP vs JPG vs PNG — Real File Sizes
Same 1080×1080px photo at equivalent visual quality
| Format | Quality | File Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG (lossless) | Perfect | 4.2 MB | No compression loss |
| JPG (85% quality) | Excellent | 310 KB | Best compatibility |
| WebP (85% quality)BEST | Excellent | 205 KB | −34% vs JPG · Best for web |
Based on a 1080×1080px photo. Results vary by image content and complexity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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