How to Open WebP Files in GIMP: Complete Guide 2025
Published on August 23, 2025 | Updated: August 23, 2025 | Reading time: 10 minutes
Quick Summary: GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) has excellent native support for WebP files since version 2.10. This guide will show you how to open, edit, and save WebP images in GIMP, troubleshoot common issues, and leverage GIMP for your WebP workflow.
GIMP, the powerful free and open-source image editor, has been at the forefront of adopting modern image formats. Unlike some commercial software that required plugins for years, GIMP introduced native WebP support quite early, making it a go-to tool for many users working with this efficient format.
Native WebP support was integrated into GIMP starting with version 2.10.0, released in April 2018. This means if you are using GIMP 2.10 or any newer version (e.g., 2.10.36, 2.99.x development versions), you do not need to install any separate plugins or add-ons to open, edit, or save WebP files. The functionality is built right in.
GIMP Version
WebP Support Level
Required Action
GIMP 2.10.0 and newer
✅ Native Support (Full)
None. Works out of the box.
GIMP 2.8.x and older
❌ No Native Support
Requires a third-party plugin (not recommended for modern use).
Key Takeaway: If you are running GIMP 2.10 or a later version, you should have no problem working with WebP files. If you are on an older version, it is highly recommended to update GIMP to the latest stable release to gain full WebP capabilities and other improvements.
How to Open a WebP File in GIMP
Opening a WebP file in GIMP is as straightforward as opening any other image format.
Method 1: Using the File Menu
1
Open GIMP.
2
Go to File > Open... (or press Ctrl+O on Windows/Linux, Cmd+O on Mac).
3
Navigate to the location of your WebP file.
4
Select the .webp file and click Open.
Method 2: Drag and Drop
1
Open GIMP.
2
Locate the WebP file in your file explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
3
Drag the WebP file directly into the GIMP image window or onto the GIMP icon in your dock/taskbar.
Editing WebP Files in GIMP
Once opened, a WebP file behaves like any other image in GIMP. You can perform all standard editing operations:
Resizing and Cropping: Adjust dimensions and composition.
Color Correction: Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and color balance.
Layers and Masks: Work with multiple layers, add transparency masks.
Filters and Effects: Apply various artistic and corrective filters.
Text and Shapes: Add text overlays or vector shapes.
Transparency Support: GIMP fully supports the alpha channel in WebP files. If your WebP image has a transparent background, it will be preserved when you open it in GIMP, allowing you to edit it without losing transparency.
How to Save/Export as WebP in GIMP
After editing, you can save your work back as a WebP file or export it to other formats.
Method 1: Exporting as WebP
1
With your image open in GIMP, go to File > Export As... (or press Ctrl+Shift+E on Windows/Linux, Cmd+Shift+E on Mac).
2
In the "Export Image" dialog, type a name for your file and ensure the extension is .webp (e.g., my-edited-image.webp).
3
Click Export.
4
The "Export Image as WebP" dialog will appear. Here you can adjust the WebP-specific settings:
Quality: Adjust the slider (0-100) for lossy compression. Higher values mean better quality but larger file sizes.
Lossless: Check this box for lossless compression (like PNG). This is recommended if you need perfect quality and transparency preservation.
Advanced Options: You can fine-tune compression methods, filter strengths, and more. For most users, the default settings are fine.
Save EXIF data: Preserve camera metadata.
Save XMP data: Preserve XMP metadata.
Save ICC profile: Preserve color profile.
5
Click Export again to save your WebP file.
Method 2: Saving as XCF (GIMP's Native Format)
If you want to preserve all your layers, paths, and GIMP-specific data for future editing, save your project in GIMP's native XCF format (File > Save or File > Save As...). You can then export to WebP or other formats later.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: GIMP won't open WebP files, or the option is missing.
Update GIMP: The most common reason is using an outdated version. Ensure you are running GIMP 2.10.0 or newer. Download the latest version from the official GIMP website.
Corrupted File: Try opening the WebP file in a web browser (Chrome, Firefox). If it doesn't open there, the file itself might be corrupted.
Incorrect File Extension: Double-check that the file actually has a .webp extension. Sometimes files are misnamed.
Problem: WebP images lose transparency when opened or saved in GIMP.
Check Save Settings: When exporting to WebP, ensure the "Lossless" option is checked or that the quality is high enough to preserve the alpha channel.
Source File: Verify that the original image you are working with actually has transparency. If you converted it from a JPG, it won't have transparency.
GIMP Version: Again, ensure you are on GIMP 2.10+ as older versions might not handle transparency in WebP correctly.
Best Practices for WebP in GIMP
Always Update: Keep your GIMP installation updated to the latest stable version to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements related to WebP.
Use Lossless for Transparency: When exporting WebP files that require transparency, always choose the "Lossless" option to ensure the alpha channel is perfectly preserved.
Optimize Quality: For lossy WebP, experiment with the quality slider. Often, a quality setting of 75-85 provides a good balance between file size and visual quality.
Verify Exported Files: After exporting, open the WebP file in a web browser or another reliable viewer to confirm that it looks as expected and that transparency is intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP better than Photoshop for WebP?
Both GIMP and modern Photoshop versions offer excellent WebP support. GIMP had native support earlier, making it a popular choice for WebP workflows. Photoshop now also has native support. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, budget, and specific workflow needs.
Can GIMP open animated WebP files?
Yes, GIMP can open animated WebP files. When you open an animated WebP, GIMP will import each frame as a separate layer, allowing you to edit individual frames or the entire animation. You can then export it back as an animated GIF or WebP.
Does GIMP require a plugin for WebP?
No, not for GIMP 2.10.0 and newer versions. WebP support is built-in. Only very old versions of GIMP (2.8.x and earlier) would have required a third-party plugin.
What is the best quality setting for WebP in GIMP?
For lossy WebP, a quality setting between 75 and 85 is often a good starting point. For images requiring perfect fidelity (like logos or images with sharp lines), use the "Lossless" option.
Final Takeaway: GIMP is a robust and free tool for working with WebP files. With its native support, you can seamlessly integrate WebP into your image editing workflow, from opening and editing to exporting optimized WebP images for the web.
Need to Convert Your WebP File?
If you prefer not to use desktop software, our online converter is a quick and easy solution: