If you are used to exporting images from the Web to your computer, then you must have come across what is called the WebP format.
Developed by Google, while it has the advantage of reducing the size of images, the downside is that not all applications support it, Photoshop being the perfect example.
The only solution would then be to convert a WebP file into a JPG or PNG, here's how.
What is the WebP format?
WebP is an open source image format that was introduced by Google in 2010. This creation was intended to compress image files, so that they require less bandwidth for a faster connection.
Considered a good idea, it has been adopted by the majority of browsers over the past decade.
How to prevent a browser from displaying WebP files
Most browsers now support this WebP format and use it as standard for rendering images. There is, however, a secret weapon, namely Internet Explorer, provided you are using a PC or laptop.
Although it has been phased out in favor of Microsoft's Edge, it can still be used for exporting non-WebP images. For it :
- Open the picture
- Right click on it
- Choose Save Image As...
- Select the folder where to place it.
Another option is to launch Microsoft Paint, stored on your hard drive, then use it to open the image and save it as a JPG or PNG.
How to Convert WebP Images to JPG or PNG in Photoshop
As of this writing, Photoshop still does not support WebP files, but that may change in the future.
Until then, if you really want to work on these images, then you can use a free plug-in. WebPShop, for example, is available on the Google Developers site, with versions for Windows and Mac, as well as a tutorial to help you install it.
How to Convert WebP Images to JPG or PNG Online
If you don't feel like going through Paint or Internet Explorer to convert a WebP file to JPG format, there are many online conversion services that will do the job for you.
On Google, you'll be spoiled for choice, with most of them free.
One of the best solutions is Online Convert, which also has a plugin for Firefox and Chrome, so you can use the service directly from your browser menu.
Its use is simple:
- Once on Online Convert, select the desired format.
- Upload your file.
- Click on Start.
The whole process only takes a few seconds and the image is then automatically saved.
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