Why WebP files cause trouble
WebP is an image format created by Google. Many websites serve it because it is smaller than JPG, so “Save image as…” often gives you a .webp file.
Every current browser can display WebP, but plenty of desktop apps, older phones, printing services and upload forms still only accept JPG or PNG. JPG is the safest choice for photos.
How the conversion works
- Your browser decodes the WebP with its built-in decoder. Nothing extra is downloaded.
- The pixels are re-encoded as JPG at 92% quality, or at the highest quality that fits your size target if you choose one.
- Transparent areas are filled with white, because JPG cannot store transparency. If you need to keep transparency, convert to PNG instead.
- You download the JPG. Metadata such as EXIF is not copied into it.
JPG or PNG?
- JPG: photos and anything you will send, upload or print. Smaller files.
- PNG: images with transparent backgrounds, screenshots, text and sharp graphics. Lossless, but larger.
Frequently asked questions
Is my WebP file uploaded?
No. Your browser decodes and re-encodes the image in memory and hands you the result as a download. There is no upload endpoint. The privacy page shows how to check this in your browser’s developer tools.
Why is the JPG bigger than the WebP?
WebP compresses more efficiently than JPG, so the same picture saved as a high-quality JPG is often larger. If you need a small file, choose a size target such as 200 KB.
What happens to transparent areas?
They become white, because JPG has no transparency. The tool warns you when the WebP has transparent areas. Use the WebP to PNG converter to keep them.
Does it work with animated WebP?
Only the first frame is converted, and the result is a still JPG.