Who created WebP and why?

WebP was developed by Google and first released in 2010. The goal was to create a format that could replace both JPEG and PNG on the web — producing smaller files than both while supporting features like transparency and animation. Smaller image files mean faster web page loading times.

What are the advantages of WebP over JPG and PNG?

WebP lossy mode produces files 25–34% smaller than JPEG at equivalent visual quality. WebP lossless mode produces files 26% smaller than PNG. WebP also supports transparency (like PNG) and animation (like GIF) in a single format.

What are the disadvantages of WebP?

WebP has limited support outside of web browsers. Many desktop applications, photo editing software (older versions), print workflows, and some social media platforms do not support WebP. This means you often need to convert WebP images when working outside a web context.

Is WebP replacing JPEG and PNG?

WebP has become the dominant format for web-served images, with all major browsers supporting it. However, JPEG and PNG remain the standard for offline use, editing, and sharing. The newer AVIF format is now also competing with WebP for web use.

How do I convert a WebP file to PNG or JPG?

Use the FixTools Image Format Converter. Upload your WebP file, select PNG (for lossless output with transparency) or JPG (for smaller files), and download the converted image. No sign-up required.

Can WebP images have transparent backgrounds?

Yes. WebP supports full alpha-channel transparency, just like PNG. This makes it useful for logos, icons, and graphics on the web that need transparent backgrounds.

Why do my downloaded images have a .webp extension?

When you right-click and save an image from a website, you often get a .webp file because websites now serve WebP for faster performance. The image appears normal in your browser but the saved file is in WebP format. Use FixTools to convert it to PNG or JPG if needed.

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What Is WebP Format and How to Convert It

WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that produces files 25–35% smaller than equivalent JPEG and PNG images while maintaining comparable visual quality. Despite its advantages, WebP is not supported by all apps and platforms — here is what you need to know and how to convert it when needed.

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25–35% smaller than JPEG and PNG

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Supports both lossless and lossy compression

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Supports transparency like PNG

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Have a WebP file you need to convert? Use the FixTools Image Format Converter to convert WebP to PNG, JPG, or any other format instantly — free, no sign-up, no watermark.

How It Works

Step-by-step guide to what is webp format and how to convert it:

1
Understand when WebP is used
WebP is used primarily for web delivery. Websites serve images in WebP format because they load faster (smaller files = faster page loads). When you download images from websites, they often arrive as .webp files.
2
Recognise WebP advantages
WebP typically produces files 25–35% smaller than JPEG for photos and 25% smaller than PNG for graphics, while supporting both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and even animation.
3
Understand WebP disadvantages
Despite broad browser support, WebP is not universally supported. Older apps, some social media platforms, print workflows, and email clients may not handle WebP. In these cases, converting to PNG or JPG is necessary.
4
Convert WebP to PNG when needed
Use FixTools Image Format Converter to convert WebP to PNG for lossless output with transparency, or to JPG for smaller files without transparency.
5
Check compatibility before sharing
Before sharing a WebP file, consider your recipient's platform. Convert to JPG for universal photo sharing, PNG for graphics that need transparency or lossless quality.