WebP files download the same way as JPG or PNG files

A WebP file is an image format — like JPG or PNG — that websites use to store photos and graphics. When you download a WebP file, your browser or device saves it to your computer the same way it saves any other image. The process depends on what device you're using and where the image is located.

Most of the time, you won't need to do anything special. Right-click the image, select "Save image as" or "Download image", choose where to put it, and you're done. The file will arrive on your computer as a .webp file. If you need to use it in a program that doesn't recognize WebP yet, you can convert it to JPG or PNG using free online tools or image software.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click any WebP image on a webpage and select "Save image as" to download it to your computer in seconds.
  • WebP files work in most modern browsers and image viewers, but older programs may not recognize them.
  • If a program won't open your WebP file, you can convert it to JPG or PNG using free online converters or image editing software.
  • On a phone or tablet, tap and hold the image, then select "Save image" or "Download" from the menu that appears.

Downloading WebP images on Windows and Mac

On a desktop computer, right-click the WebP image you want to save. A menu will pop up with several options. Look for "Save image as", "Save picture as", or "Download image" — the exact wording depends on which browser you're using. Click that option.

A window will open asking where you want to save the file. Choose a folder — your Downloads folder is usually the easiest place — and the filename will appear in a text box. The filename should already end in .webp. You can change the name if you want, but leave the .webp part at the end so your computer knows what kind of file it is. Click "Save" and the download is complete.

This works the same way in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you're using an older browser, the menu option might say something slightly different, but the idea is the same: find the save or download option, pick a location, and confirm.

Downloading WebP images on phones and tablets

On an iPhone or iPad, tap and hold your finger on the WebP image until a menu appears. Select "Save Image" or "Add to Photos" — the exact wording depends on your iOS version. The image will be saved to your Photos app, where you can view it or share it later.

On an Android phone or tablet, tap and hold the image the same way. A menu will appear with options like "Save image", "Download image", or "Save to gallery". Tap whichever option your phone shows. The file will go to your Downloads folder or your Photos app, depending on your device and browser.

Opening WebP files after you download them

Most modern computers and phones can open WebP files without any extra software. On Windows, right-click the .webp file, select "Open with", and choose Photos, Paint, or your default image viewer. On Mac, double-click the file and it should open in Preview. On phones, WebP images open automatically in your Photos or Gallery app.

If your computer says it doesn't recognize the file type, your image viewer is older and doesn't support WebP yet. This is rare on newer devices, but it can happen. The easiest fix is to convert the file to a format your program understands.

Converting WebP to JPG or PNG

If you need to use a WebP image in a program that won't open it, you can convert it to JPG or PNG using free online tools. Search for "convert WebP to JPG" in your browser. Websites like CloudConvert, Convertio, and Online-Convert all let you upload a WebP file and download it back as JPG or PNG.

The process is simple: go to the converter website, click "Upload" or "Choose file", select your .webp file from your computer, and click "Convert". After a few seconds, a download button will appear. Click it and the converted file will save to your Downloads folder with the new format — .jpg or .png — in the filename.

If you use image editing software like Photoshop, GIMP (free), or Paint.NET (free), you can also open a WebP file there and save it as a different format. Open the file, go to File > Export As or Save As, and choose JPG or PNG from the format menu.

Why websites use WebP instead of JPG or PNG

WebP is a newer image format that makes files smaller without losing much quality. A WebP photo might be half the size of the same photo saved as JPG, which means websites load faster and use less data on your phone. That's why many modern websites — especially Google, Facebook, and news sites — use WebP for their images.

The trade-off is that WebP is newer, so older devices and programs don't always recognize it. But this is becoming less common. Most phones, tablets, and computers made in the last five years can open WebP files without any trouble. If you run into a device that can't, converting to JPG or PNG is a quick fix.

Troubleshooting WebP downloads

If right-clicking doesn't show a save option, the image might be protected or embedded in a way that prevents downloading. Some websites disable right-click to protect their images. In that case, you may not be able to download it legally, and you should respect the website's choice.

If the file downloads but won't open, check that the filename ends in .webp. If it ends in something else — like .webp.jpg — your browser may have added an extra extension by mistake. Right-click the file, select "Rename", and remove the extra part so it ends only in .webp. Then try opening it again.

If you downloaded the file to your phone and it won't open, try a different app. Some phones have multiple photo viewers, and one might work better than another. On Android, you can also try downloading a free app like Google Photos or Snapseed, which both handle WebP files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a WebP image from Google Images?

Yes. Right-click the image in Google Images and select "Save image as". Google often serves images in WebP format, so the file will download as .webp. If you need it as JPG or PNG instead, convert it using one of the free online tools mentioned above.

What's the difference between WebP and JPG?

WebP and JPG are both image formats that store photos. WebP files are usually smaller and load faster, but JPG is older and works on more devices. For most purposes, they look the same quality to your eye. WebP is becoming the standard on modern websites.

Will my printer work with WebP files?

Most modern printers can print WebP files directly. If yours won't, convert the WebP to JPG first using an online converter, then print the JPG. Older printers may not recognize WebP, but this is uncommon on devices made in the last few years.

Is it safe to download WebP files from the internet?

WebP files are just images — they're as safe as JPG or PNG files. The safety depends on where you download from, not the file format. Download from websites you trust, and avoid clicking suspicious links or ads that promise free downloads.

Can I edit a WebP file after I download it?

Yes. You can open WebP files in most image editing software, including Photoshop, GIMP, and Paint.NET. Make your edits, then save or export the file as WebP again, or convert it to JPG or PNG if you prefer a different format.