How to Open or Edit WebP Images in Windows

Quick Tips

• You can open a WebP image on Windows in Paint or a web browser, like Chrome.
• Alternatively, use a dedicated WebP editor for Windows, like GIMP.
• Or, just convert your WebP file with a free online conversion tool.

WebP is a type of image file that you might encounter from time to time. It’s gaining in popularity and usage, but isn’t quite as well-supported or easy to work with as other formats, such as JPG and PNG. As such, users might be confused about the Windows open WebP process, or which apps they can use to open or edit a WebP image.

This guide shows you four simple ways to work with WebP on Windows.

Windows – Open WebP Images Using Microsoft Paint

You don’t necessarily need to download or use any third-party tools to open WebP on Windows, as the built-in image editor, Microsoft Paint, supports this file type.

Step 1. Find the WebP image you wish to work with in your File Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click the image, go to “Open with” and then choose “Paint.” It should then open up in Paint for viewing and editing, and you can even save it as a JPG or PNG if you want a more flexible format to work with in the future.

Open WebP Images on Windows in a Browser

You can also open and view WebP images in most web browsers, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Step 1. Find the file you want to open in your File Explorer, and open a web browser window in the background.

Step 2. Click and drag your WebP image from your File Explorer onto the web browser tab. You should see the cursor change to say “+ Copy.” Let go of the mouse and a new browser tab should then open up with your WebP image displayed.

How to Use a WebP Editor for Windows

If you want to make changes to WebP files, you’ll need a flexible WebP editor for Windows to help you. Paint is one option, but others also exist, including the free, open-source program known as GIMP.

Step 1. Download and install GIMP from the official website or the Microsoft Store.

Step 2. Find your WebP file in your File Explorer. Right-click it, go to “Open with” and then choose “GIMP” from the list of programs. Your image should then open up in GIMP, where you’ll be able to view, edit, and save it in the same or other formats.

How to Convert WebP Files Before You Open Them

If you find WebP files a little too awkward to open and work with, you might prefer to convert them into a simpler format. There are several ways of doing this, including the use of free online WebP to JPG/PNG converter tools. But the easiest way is simply to rename the file, like so:

Step 1. Find your WebP file in the File Explorer.

Step 2. Click on “View” in the top menu, then hover over “Show” and select “File name extensions.”

Step 3. Click to select the image you want to convert and then press the “Rename” button.

Step 4. Delete the “webp” part of the file name and replace it with “jpg” or “png” then hit “Enter.” If you see a prompt asking if you wish to proceed, click “Yes” or “OK.”

Step 5. You should then be able to open your new JPG or PNG image file in your favorite image editing or viewing app, like Microsoft Photos.