Can't Open a WebP File? Convert to PNG Instead
- Most apps that can't open WebP will open PNG without any issues.
- Converting to PNG preserves transparency — unlike JPG, which fills it with white.
- The conversion is instant and free — no software to install.
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You downloaded a WebP image and your app won’t open it — you get a blank thumbnail, an "unsupported format" error, or nothing at all. While converting to JPG is the most common fix, converting to PNG is often the better choice: it keeps transparent backgrounds intact, maintains lossless quality, and is just as universally supported as JPG.
Why WebP Files Won't Open
WebP is a relatively young format. While all modern browsers support it, many desktop applications, email clients, and design tools were built before WebP was widely adopted — and haven’t been updated to recognize it. Common apps that struggle with WebP:
- Older versions of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Adobe Illustrator (older versions without the WebP plugin)
- Email clients including Outlook 2016 and older
- Windows Photo Viewer (not to be confused with Photos app)
- Many image editing apps on Linux
- Some CMS image upload interfaces
Why Convert to PNG Instead of JPG
Both PNG and JPG are universally supported, so either fixes the compatibility problem. Choose PNG when:
- The WebP has a transparent background — JPG fills it with white; PNG keeps it transparent.
- You need exact pixel quality — logos, screenshots, diagrams, and UI elements look sharper as PNG because PNG is lossless.
- You’ll use the image in Figma, Canva, or other design tools — these expect PNG for assets that need transparency.
Choose JPG if the image is a photo without transparency and file size matters. For everything else, PNG is the safer default.
Sell Custom Apparel — We Handle Printing & Free ShippingHow to Convert the WebP to PNG
Open Ibis WebP to PNG and drop your WebP file in. The conversion is instant — no quality setting needed since PNG is always lossless. Download the PNG and open it in whatever app was refusing the WebP. PNG compatibility is universal — it will open.
For multiple files: select them all in the file picker, convert in batch, and download the ZIP.
After Converting: Test in Your App
Once you have the PNG:
- Windows: Double-click to open in Photos or Paint — both handle PNG natively.
- Outlook: Attach the PNG to an email — recipients on any email client will see it correctly.
- Office: Insert → Pictures → select the PNG. Works in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Figma/Canva: Import the PNG — transparent backgrounds show immediately.
If your app still has trouble with the PNG (very rare), the file may be corrupted. Re-download the original WebP and convert again.
Fix WebP Compatibility — Convert to PNG Free
Instant conversion, lossless quality, transparent backgrounds preserved.
Convert WebP to PNG FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Should I convert a can't-open WebP to PNG or JPG?
If the WebP has a transparent background, always use PNG — JPG destroys transparency. For photos without transparency, either works.
Will converting WebP to PNG fix Outlook compatibility?
Yes. Outlook fully supports PNG. Attach or embed the converted PNG and it will display correctly for all recipients.
Does converting to PNG fix Microsoft Office compatibility too?
Yes. All modern and older versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint support PNG image import.
Is there a quality loss when converting WebP to PNG?
No. PNG is lossless — every pixel is preserved exactly from the original WebP.
