WebP is a relatively new image format developed by Google that offers superior compression and quality compared to traditional formats like JPEG and PNG. However, since it is not yet widely adopted, many users may encounter difficulties when trying to open webp files on their Windows 10 computers.
In this article, we will discuss how to open webp files in Windows 10 and explore some of the best webp viewers available.
What is a WebP File?
Before we dive into how to open webp files, let’s first understand what they are. WebP is an image format developed by Google in 2010. It uses advanced compression techniques to reduce file size without compromising image quality.
WebP files can be significantly smaller than JPEG or PNG files, making them ideal for web use as they can help improve website loading times. However, since it is a relatively new format, not all devices and software support it.
How to Open WebP Files in Windows 10
Using a WebP Viewer
The easiest way to open webp files in Windows 10 is by using a webp viewer. These are specialized software designed specifically to open and view webp files. Some popular webp viewers include:
- https://www.irfanview.com/: A free and lightweight image viewer that supports webp files.
- https://www.xnview.com/en/: A powerful image viewer and converter that supports over 500 file formats, including webp.
- https://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm: A feature-rich image viewer that also supports webp files.
To open a webp file using a webp viewer, simply right-click on the file and select “Open with” and then choose the webp viewer of your choice. You can also set the webp viewer as the default program for opening webp files by selecting “Choose another app” and checking the box that says “Always use this app to open .webp files.”
Converting WebP Files to JPEG or PNG
If you do not want to use a webp viewer, you can also convert webp files to more widely supported formats like JPEG or PNG. There are several online converters available, such as https://cloudconvert.com/webp-to-jpg and https://convertio.co/webp-jpg/, that allow you to convert webp files to other formats quickly and easily.
You can also use image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP to open webp files and then save them as JPEG or PNG files. However, this method may not be as convenient as using a webp viewer or online converter.
Best WebP Viewers for Windows 10
Now that you know how to open webp files in Windows 10, let’s take a closer look at some of the best webp viewers available for this operating system.
IrfanView
IrfanView is a popular and lightweight image viewer that supports over 60 file formats, including webp. It is free for non-commercial use and offers a wide range of features, such as batch conversion, slideshow creation, and basic image editing tools.
To open a webp file in IrfanView, simply right-click on the file and select “Open with” and then choose IrfanView. You can also set IrfanView as the default program for opening webp files by selecting “Choose another app” and checking the box that says “Always use this app to open .webp files.”
XnView
XnView is a powerful image viewer and converter that supports over 500 file formats, including webp. It is available for free for personal use and offers a wide range of features, such as batch conversion, slideshow creation, and basic image editing tools.
To open a webp file in XnView, simply right-click on the file and select “Open with” and then choose XnView. You can also set XnView as the default program for opening webp files by selecting “Choose another app” and checking the box that says “Always use this app to open .webp files.”
FastStone Image Viewer
FastStone Image Viewer is a feature-rich image viewer that also supports webp files. It is available for free for personal use and offers a wide range of features, such as batch conversion, slideshow creation, and basic image editing tools.
To open a webp file in FastStone Image Viewer, simply right-click on the file and select “Open with” and then choose FastStone Image Viewer. You can also set FastStone Image Viewer as the default program for opening webp files by selecting “Choose another app” and checking the box that says “Always use this app to open .webp files.”
Other Ways to Open WebP Files
Using a Web Browser
Most modern web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, support webp files. You can simply drag and drop a webp file into your browser to view it. However, this method may not be as convenient as using a dedicated webp viewer.
Using a Plugin or Extension
If you do not want to use a webp viewer or convert the file to another format, you can also use a plugin or extension to open webp files in Windows 10. For example, the https://developers.google.com/speed/webp/docs/webp_codec allows you to view webp files in Windows Photo Viewer and other programs that use the Windows Imaging Component (WIC).
Conclusion
WebP is a powerful image format that offers superior compression and quality compared to traditional formats like JPEG and PNG. While it is not yet widely adopted, there are several ways to open webp files in Windows 10, such as using a webp viewer, converting the file to another format, or using a plugin or extension.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily open webp files on your Windows 10 computer and take advantage of the benefits this format has to offer.
