The short answer
A WebP file is an image saved in a format Google built for the web. Its whole purpose is speed. WebP gives roughly the same quality as a JPG or PNG while being noticeably smaller, so pages that use it load faster. It also handles transparency like a PNG and can even hold short animations like a GIF.
You run into WebP most often when you save an image from a website, because so many sites now serve their pictures this way.
How to open a WebP file
- Any modern browser. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari all display WebP.
- Windows and Mac. The built in Photos and Preview apps now open WebP on current versions.
- GIMP or Photopea. Both free, both open and edit WebP if you need more than a quick look.
How to convert WebP to something more common
If an app will not accept WebP, convert it:
- Open it in Preview, Photos, GIMP, or Photopea and export as JPG or PNG.
- Or use a free online converter, which is the fastest route for a single file.
JPG is the safe choice for photos, and PNG is best when you need transparency.
How to share a WebP file
- Upload the WebP to snapy.
- Copy the link.
- Share it. It opens in any browser, already optimized and quick to load.
Upload a file to share an image as a link, or learn how to turn an image into a link.