Why Does Chrome Save Images as WebP? And How to Fix It

You right-click an image, choose Save image as, and the file ends in `.webp` instead of `.jpg` or `.png`. Then your editor will not open it, the upload form rejects it, or someone cannot preview it.

Why Chrome Saves WebP Files

Chrome does not choose WebP on its own when you save an image. The website decides which file format to send. Many websites use WebP because it loads faster than large JPG or PNG files.

Some websites also store several versions of one image. If your browser supports WebP, the server may send WebP. An older browser might receive JPG instead. Google Images can make this more common because previews are often optimized and served as WebP.

Common Problems People Face

• The image will not open outside the browser.
• Job portals, government forms, stores, or school systems reject it.
• Older photo editors cannot import it.
• Print shops ask for JPG, PNG, or TIFF instead.
• Renaming `.webp` to `.jpg` does not work.
• A screenshot works but often looks blurry or has the wrong size.

Method 1: Convert the WebP File

This is the most reliable fix and works on any device.

1. Save the image as normal. 2. Open WebP to JPG for photos or WebP to PNG for transparent images. 3. Upload the WebP file. 4. Click convert. 5. Download the JPG or PNG.

Use JPG for normal photos and sharing. Use PNG for logos, icons, screenshots, and transparent backgrounds.

Method 2: Open the Image in a New Tab

Sometimes the direct image URL points to a JPG or PNG version.

1. Right-click the image. 2. Choose Open image in new tab. 3. Look at the address bar. 4. If the URL ends in `.jpg` or `.png`, save it from that tab. 5. If it still ends in `.webp`, convert it.

This only works when the site keeps another version available.

Method 3: Download From the Original Website

If you found the image in Google Images, do not save from the preview.

1. Open the image result. 2. Click Visit to go to the source page. 3. Save the full image from the original page. 4. If it is still WebP, convert it.

The source website may offer a larger original file or a download button with JPG or PNG.

Method 4: Use a Browser Extension

Some Chrome extensions add options like "Save image as JPG" or "Save image as PNG." They can be useful, but check reviews, permissions, and privacy carefully. Extensions can often read pages you visit, so conversion with a trusted tool is usually safer.

Can You Stop Chrome From Saving WebP?

There is no normal Chrome setting that forces every saved image to become JPG or PNG. Chrome saves the file the website provides. The practical solution is to download the file and convert it when needed.

What To Expect After Converting

Best Simple Rule

For everyday use, save the image first and then convert it. Use WebP to JPG for photos and WebP to PNG for images that need transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chrome save images as WebP instead of JPG?

Chrome saves the file the website sends. Many modern websites send WebP because it makes pages load faster.

How do I save an image as JPG instead of WebP in Chrome?

Save the WebP file and convert it with a WebP to JPG converter. You can also try opening the image in a new tab or downloading it from the original website.

Can I change .webp to .jpg by renaming the file?

No. Renaming only changes the file name. The file data is still WebP, so apps may still reject it.

Is WebP better than JPG?

For websites, often yes because WebP files can be smaller. For uploading, printing, and broad compatibility, JPG and PNG are safer.

Does converting WebP to JPG lower quality?

JPG uses compression, so a small change is possible. At normal quality settings most people cannot see it. Use PNG if you need transparency or lossless output.

Do Firefox, Edge, and Safari also save WebP?

Yes. Modern browsers save the file the website sends. If the site sends WebP, any modern browser may save WebP.