Currently, there is in the mainstream Windows version of ThumbsPlus (versions up to v10.x). It cannot natively view or convert the format. While the software once boasted support for "over 180 exotic image formats" (like Jpeg2000), the modern Google WebP format remains conspicuously absent.
Even though the software cannot open WebP files natively, it does not mean users of ThumbsPlus cannot organize them. Below are two primary methods to manage WebP files if you are committed to the platform.
: Run the installer with administrative privileges on your Windows machine. thumbsplus webp
Managing a hybrid database of legacy and modern web formats requires a structured approach to prevent database bloat and performance lag.
: Ensure your Windows OS has the WebP Video Extensions installed from the Microsoft Store. Sometimes, third-party apps like ThumbsPlus can leverage system codecs to "see" file types they don't natively handle. Currently, there is in the mainstream Windows version
Given the halt in development, many users have migrated away from ThumbsPlus. If native WebP support is a non-negotiable requirement, consider these alternatives:
Show a generic system file icon rather than an image preview. Even though the software cannot open WebP files
However, there is one minor exception. The software’s documentation mentions , but crucially, there is no mention of a WebP plug-in in any of the available literature or community forums.
As of current versions, such as ThumbsPlus 10 , native support for the WebP format is not explicitly listed in the standard supported formats like JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. While the software supports over a hundred file types—including diverse RAW formats through Pro plugins —WebP often requires a workaround because it is a relatively newer "next-gen" format compared to the legacy codebases of many classic image managers. Why WebP Matters for Your Collection