orbfile

Image format

What is a WEBP file?

WEBP is Google's web-focused image format, offering both lossy and lossless modes plus transparency in one file type.

Google introduced WebP in 2010 to tackle a specific problem: the average web page was (and still is) dominated by image weight, and neither JPEG nor PNG alone could losslessly compete on both photos and graphics. WebP borrows compression techniques from video codecs to squeeze photographic images noticeably smaller than JPEG at the same visual quality, while its lossless mode competes with PNG for graphics — all while still supporting transparency and even simple animation in one container. Adoption was slow at first, but every major browser now supports it natively, which is why so many websites quietly serve WebP images today to cut load times.

How to open a WEBP file

WEBP files open readily in Any modern web browser, Windows Photos and macOS Preview (recent versions). For real editing rather than just viewing, reach for GIMP, Affinity Photo, Photoshop (with a plugin on older versions).

Strengths & limitations

Good for

  • typically 25–35% smaller than JPG at equal quality
  • supports transparency like PNG
  • supported by every modern browser

Watch out for

  • a handful of older tools and legacy CMSes still don't open it directly

Convert WEBP files

Orbfile can convert WEBP both ways, entirely in your browser — pick a direction below:

WEBP to PNGWEBP to JPGWEBP to AVIFWEBP to GIFWEBP to BMPWEBP to TIFFWEBP to ICOWEBP to JXL

Frequently asked questions

What does a WEBP file contain?+

WEBP is Google's web-focused image format, offering both lossy and lossless modes plus transparency in one file type.

Can I convert WEBP for free?+

Yes — Orbfile's image converter handles WEBP for free, with no file limit, watermark, or account, and it runs entirely in your browser.

Is converting a WEBP file safe and private?+

Yes. Orbfile processes WEBP files locally on your device using WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded to a server, so there's nothing to leak or store.

Who created the WEBP format?+

WEBP was developed by Google, first released around 2010.

Browse the full file format guide.