How do I View WebP Files on Windows

With the abundance of different image formats available, sometimes it can be challenging to view certain types of files on specific operating systems.
 

One such format is WebP, which has gained popularity due to its efficient compression and high-quality images.
 

WebP is an image format developed by Google that offers both lossless and lossy compression, resulting in smaller file sizes without compromising image quality.
 

While WebP files are widely supported by modern web browsers, but they are not natively supported by Windows File Explorer or the default image viewer on Windows.

However, there are several methods you can use to overcome this limitation.
 

Web Browsers

The easiest way to view WebP files on Windows is by opening them in a web browser.
Browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge have built-in support for WebP: double-click on a WebP file, and it will open in your default browser, allowing you to view it effortlessly.
 

Image Viewer Software

To view WebP files directly on your computer without relying on a web browser, you can use specialized image viewer software.

There are various third-party applications available that offer support for WebP files. Here are a few options:

IrfanView: is a lightweight and versatile image viewer that supports a wide range of formats, including WebP.

XnView: is another image viewer that supports an extensive range of formats, including WebP. It provides a user-friendly interface and additional features like batch conversion and editing capabilities. 
You can download XnView and install it on your Windows system.

Paint.NET: although primarily known as an image editing software, Paint.NET can also be used as a viewer for WebP files.
This free software offers a range of editing features and can handle various image formats, including WebP.
 

WebP Codec

Another option to view WebP files on Windows is by installing a WebP codec, which adds support for the format to your system's default image viewer. The WebP Codec for Windows is available for free from our website.

By installing the codec, you'll be able to open WebP files using Windows File Explorer or any other image viewer software you prefer.
 

Whether you choose to open them in a web browser, use dedicated image viewer software, or install a WebP codec, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of this efficient image format without any hassle.

If you want to share WebP files with others or use them on platforms that don't support the format, you may need to convert them to more widely supported formats like JPEG or PNG.