FormatDrop
How-To Guide

How to Convert WebP to PNG on Mac

Converting WebP to PNG on Mac is straightforward with Preview (macOS 12+), sips, or FFmpeg — and critically, PNG is the only format that preserves WebP transparency fully. This guide shows you each method.

Open WebP to PNG Converter

Step-by-step instructions

  1. 1

    Convert with Preview (macOS Monterey+)

    Open the WebP in Preview. Go to File → Export. Set Format to PNG. Click Save. Preview on macOS 12+ handles WebP natively and correctly exports transparent WebP images as PNG with the alpha channel intact.

    Go to converter
  2. 2

    Convert with sips (macOS 13+ Ventura)

    Open Terminal. Run: `sips -s format png input.webp --out output.png`. For a batch: `for f in *.webp; do sips -s format png "$f" --out "${f%.webp}.png"; done`. sips gained WebP read support in macOS 13 Ventura. On older macOS, use FFmpeg.

  3. 3

    Convert with FFmpeg (all macOS versions)

    Install FFmpeg: `brew install ffmpeg`. Convert: `ffmpeg -i input.webp output.png`. FFmpeg correctly handles WebP transparency, including animated WebP where only the first frame is exported to a static PNG. For lossless conversion: `ffmpeg -i input.webp -compression_level 6 output.png`.

  4. 4

    Verify transparency is preserved

    Open the PNG in Preview and check the background. If the WebP had a transparent background, the PNG should show a checkerboard pattern (indicating transparency) when opened in Preview. PNG supports full alpha transparency — the converted file should look identical to the WebP with no white background added.

Why convert WebP to PNG?

PNG preserves all image data without loss and supports transparency — making it the ideal target when you need to convert WebP logos, UI assets, or transparent graphics for use in apps that don't support WebP.

Your files never leave your device

FormatDrop runs the conversion engine entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly. No file upload. No server. Nothing stored. You can verify this by opening DevTools → Network tab and watching: zero upload requests.

Frequently asked questions

Does WebP to PNG preserve transparency on Mac?
Yes — PNG fully supports alpha transparency. When you convert a WebP image with transparency to PNG using Preview, sips, or FFmpeg, the alpha channel is preserved correctly. This is one reason to prefer PNG over JPG as the output when the WebP has transparent areas.
Is PNG or JPG better for converting WebP?
Use PNG when the WebP has transparency or is a graphic or logo with sharp edges. Use JPG when the WebP is a photograph and you don't need transparency — JPG gives smaller file sizes. PNG is lossless, JPG is lossy — for maximum quality conversion, choose PNG.
How do I open WebP files on older macOS?
macOS versions before Monterey (12) can't open WebP in Preview natively. Options: install FFmpeg via Homebrew and convert via Terminal, use an online converter in Safari, or install a third-party viewer like Permute or XnConvert.
Convert WebP to PNG Now — Free

No account. No upload. Works in any browser.

More guides

How to Convert HEIC to JPGHow to Convert PNG to PDFHow to Convert MOV to MP4How to Convert WebP to JPG