What is .webp?

.webp is a modern image format developed by Google that delivers high-quality visuals at much smaller file sizes than traditional formats like JPG and PNG. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, plus optional transparency and animation.

This quick guide explains when to use .webp files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.

When to use .webp files

You want faster-loading images on the web without sacrificing visible quality.
You are optimizing large product images, screenshots, or hero banners for performance.
You need transparency or lightweight animations as an alternative to PNG or GIF.

How to open .webp files

Most modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) open .webp images natively. You can also upload a .webp file to FileXhost to preview it in the browser and share a clean, dedicated viewing link instantly.

Algorithm details

WebP uses VP8 video codec for lossy compression and custom algorithms for lossless compression. Lossy mode employs predictive coding (spatial prediction), block quantization, and arithmetic coding. Lossless mode uses spatial prediction, color caching, and LZ77-based compression. The format supports alpha channel compression using separate prediction modes for transparency data.

Browser & platform support

Desktop: Chrome 17+ (2012+), Firefox 65+ (2019+), Safari 14+ (2020+), Edge 18+, Opera 11.10+
Mobile: Chrome for Android, Safari iOS 14+, Samsung Internet, Firefox Android
OS: Windows 10+, macOS 11+, Android 4.0+, most Linux distributions
Notable exceptions: Internet Explorer, older Safari versions, some legacy mobile browsers

Format comparison

Feature	Details
File Size	25-35% smaller than JPEG with equal quality, 26% smaller than PNG lossless, 64% smaller than GIF animations.
Compression	Supports both lossy and lossless compression.
Transparency	Supported in both lossy and lossless modes (unlike JPEG).
Animation	Supported (unlike JPEG, and smaller than GIF).
Browser Support	~97% vs 100% for JPEG/PNG/GIF.
Metadata Support	Limited compared to JPEG/PNG but superior to GIF.

How to create webp files

Command-line tools: cwebp input.jpg -q 80 -o output.webp
Image editors: GIMP (native), Photoshop (with plugin), Affinity Photo
Design tools: Figma (export), Sketch, Adobe XD (plugins)
Online converters: Squoosh.app, Convertio, CloudConvert
Lossless creation: cwebp input.png -lossless -o output.webp

How to convert webp files

FileXhost: Upload your WebP files to FileXhost and download them in various formats. Our platform automatically handles format conversion with optimal quality settings.
Online tools: Squoosh, Convertio, CloudConvert
Desktop software: XnView, IrfanView, ImageMagick
Mobile apps: WebP Converter (iOS/Android)
Command-line: dwebp input.webp -o output.png, magick mogrify -format webp *.jpg

Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

25-35% smaller files than JPEG with comparable quality
Supports both lossy and lossless compression
Transparency and animation support
Royalty-free and open source
Modern browser support (~97%)
Faster web performance and reduced bandwidth

Disadvantages

Limited legacy browser support (IE, older Safari)
Reduced metadata support compared to JPEG/PNG
Some professional tools require plugins
Limited high bit-depth (HDR) support
Relatively new for archival use
Older mobile device compatibility issues

Tools & software

Viewers

Windows Photos (10+), macOS Preview (11+), IrfanView, XnView, Gwenview, VLC

Editors

Photoshop (plugin), GIMP (native), Affinity Photo, Paint.NET (plugin), Krita

Batch Processing

XnView MP, ImageMagick, FFmpeg

Development

Node.js (sharp, imagemin-webp), Python (Pillow, webp), PHP (GD, ImageMagick), CLI (cwebp, dwebp, vwebp)

Frequently asked questions

Can I open WebP files in Windows Photos?

Windows 10 and 11 support WebP natively. For older versions, install the WebP Image Extension from the Microsoft Store.

Is WebP better than PNG for screenshots?

Yes! WebP lossless compression typically produces files 26% smaller than PNG while maintaining perfect quality, making it ideal for screenshots.

Does WebP support animation like GIF?

Absolutely! WebP animations are 64% smaller than GIFs and support 24-bit color with 8-bit transparency, resulting in much higher quality animated images.

Why do some websites still use JPEG instead of WebP?

Legacy browser support and established workflows. Many websites serve WebP to modern browsers while providing JPEG fallbacks for older ones.

Can WebP files contain viruses?

WebP itself is just an image format, but like any file type, malicious code could theoretically be embedded. Always download files from trusted sources.

Is WebP suitable for professional photography?

While WebP offers excellent compression, professional photographers often prefer formats with broader editing software support and more extensive metadata handling.

What's the difference between WebP and WebP2?

WebP2 is an experimental successor that promises even better compression, but it's not yet widely supported or finalized.

How do I serve WebP images on my website?

Use the HTML5 <picture> element with WebP as the primary source and JPEG/PNG as fallback, or implement server-side content negotiation based on the Accept header.

Technical specs

File type: Image
Extension: .webp
MIME type: image/webp
Compression: Lossy and lossless
Max file size on FileXhost: Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.

Upload your .webp file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.

Upload .webp file