.webp files because that is what the server sent. To save as JPG, use the WebP to JPG/PNG Converter Chrome extension — right-click any image and choose "Save as JPG."
You right-click an image on a website. You select "Save image as." The dialog shows a .webp file. You try to rename it to .jpg — but apps on your computer either cannot open it or display it wrong.
This is one of the most common frustrations Chrome users encounter, and it has been getting more common every year as web developers adopt WebP more widely.
Save Any Web Image as JPG — One Click
Right-click any WebP image and save it as JPG instantly.
Add to Chrome — FreeWhat Is WebP and Why Is It Everywhere Now?
WebP is an image format developed by Google and released in 2010. Its main advantage: WebP files are typically 25–35% smaller than equivalent JPEG files at the same visual quality. For websites serving millions of images per day, this translates to massive bandwidth savings and faster page load times.
Google's own services (Search, Images, Maps, Shopping) started serving WebP years ago. Major e-commerce platforms, social networks, news sites, and CDNs now convert images to WebP on-the-fly before delivering them to browsers that support it.
Chrome has supported WebP since version 9 (2011). So when you use Chrome to visit any modern website, the server detects that your browser supports WebP and sends WebP files instead of JPG. The visual result is identical — you cannot tell the difference on screen — but the file you save is WebP, not JPG.
Why Renaming .webp to .jpg Does Not Work
Some people try to rename a .webp file to .jpg to make it openable. This does not work because the file extension is just a label — the actual file format (the internal structure of bytes) remains WebP regardless of what you name it. A JPG-expecting application looks at the file's internal signature, not the extension, and refuses to open it when it finds WebP data.
You need to actually convert the file, not just rename it.
The Fastest Fix: Chrome Extension
The WebP to JPG/PNG Converter adds a simple right-click option to Chrome:
How to save any web image as JPG
- Install WebP to JPG/PNG Converter from the Chrome Web Store.
- Navigate to any webpage with an image you want to save.
- Right-click the image.
- In the context menu, click Save as JPG (or Save as PNG).
- The file downloads as a proper JPG file.
The extension converts the image in your browser before downloading. The conversion is lossless in terms of visual quality at standard settings — the output JPG looks identical to the WebP original when viewed on screen.
.webp file, you can also drag it into the extension's popup window to convert it. You do not have to save from the webpage again.
Other Ways to Convert WebP to JPG
Open in Paint (Windows) and save as JPG
Windows 10 (version 1903+) and Windows 11 can open WebP files in Paint. Open the file, then File → Save As → JPEG. Straightforward but only works for already-downloaded files.
Open in Preview (macOS) and export as JPG
Drag the WebP file into Preview. File → Export → choose JPEG format. Works natively on macOS without any additional software.
Use ImageMagick (command line)
magick input.webp output.jpgImageMagick handles any image format conversion from the command line. Install from imagemagick.org.
Why Apps Cannot Open Your WebP File
If you downloaded a WebP file and it will not open, the app you are using does not support WebP:
- Older Windows Photos app (pre-2019): No WebP support. Update Windows or use Paint.
- Legacy image editing software: Photoshop versions before CC 2022 do not natively open WebP. Use the converter first.
- Some printers and printing software: Do not accept WebP. Convert to JPG before printing.
- Email attachments: Many email clients show WebP images inline in modern browsers but recipients using older email clients may not see them. Send JPG for maximum compatibility.
Fix the "Can't Save as JPG" Problem
Install once, right-click to save as JPG from any website.
Install WebP to JPG ConverterRelated Guides
- How to Convert WebP to JPG
- How to Save WebP Images as JPG in Chrome
- What Is WebP Format?
- WebP Not Supported? How to Fix It
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do images save as .webp instead of .jpg?
Websites serve WebP because the files are 25-35% smaller than JPG, making pages load faster. Chrome saves whatever format the server sent — and modern websites send WebP to Chrome automatically.
How do I save an image as JPG instead of WebP in Chrome?
Install the WebP to JPG/PNG Converter Chrome extension. Right-click any WebP image and choose "Save as JPG." The converted file downloads immediately.
Can I open .webp files on Windows?
Windows 10 Photos app added WebP support in late 2019. If your system is older or the Photos app does not open WebP, convert the file to JPG first using the Chrome extension or Paint's Save As function.
Does converting WebP to JPG reduce image quality?
A very small quality difference is possible since the conversion applies JPEG compression to the decoded pixels. At 90-95% JPEG quality settings, the difference is imperceptible to the human eye.
Why do old download links now save WebP instead of JPG?
Websites update their image servers to deliver WebP to browsers that support it. Chrome has supported WebP since 2011, so modern websites send WebP to Chrome automatically — even if the original file was a JPG.
More Free Chrome Tools by Peak Productivity
