Save a WebP file as another image file format

Back in 2010, Google introduced an image file type called WebP that has a smaller file size and is optimised for viewing online. However, not all image software opens WebP files, and older browsers may have trouble too. If you can’t open such a file, there’s a simple way to save the image (in Windows), then convert it to a file type (e.g. PNG, JPG) your image software can understand.

Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the image in the browser, and select the option to Save image as (different browsers will use different wording—you’re looking for the option that lets you save the image).
2. Save the file to a location on your computer.
3. Go to that location, right-click on the file you just saved, then select Open with.
4. Select Paint. (Yes, Paint—the program that’s been in Windows since forever!)
5. In Paint, go to File > Save As.
6. Select the image file type you want to use (e.g. PNG or JPEG).
7. Give the file a name (or use the original), navigate to where you want to save it, then click Save.
8. You’ll get a message that any transparency will be lost. Click OK.
9. You can now open your newly saved file in image software that supports the file type you chose at Step 6.

More information on the WebP format and browser and software support for it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebP

[Links last checked February 2020]