Note that while WIC codecs usually grant excellent reading (viewing) capabilities to ThumbsPlus, saving an image directly back into WebP format from ThumbsPlus may still be restricted depending on the codec's write support.
For changes to take effect on folders you have already opened: Navigate to the folder containing your WebP images. Select > Refresh Selected (or press F5 ).
to batch-process them into JPEG or PNG files that the older software can recognize. Google for Developers Managing WebP with ThumbsPlus
In the future, we can expect to see even more advanced features and technologies emerge, such as: thumbsplus webp
If you are managing a large library of WebP images, the most robust solution is upgrading to .
WebP (Web Picture) is an image compression format developed by Google. It allows you to store images in a compressed format that reduces file sizes without compromising image quality. WebP offers several benefits, including:
). This allows you to browse your library and instantly open WebP files in a compatible program for editing. Batch Conversion : Use the built-in ThumbsPlus Batch Processing Note that while WIC codecs usually grant excellent
At its peak, ThumbsPlus was renowned for its exhaustive format support, handling everything from standard JPEGs to obscure scientific and proprietary RAW formats. Its core strength—the ability to catalog thousands of images in a searchable SQL-driven database —made it indispensable for professional workflows. Yet, the rapid adoption of WebP by web browsers and developers introduced a format that older iterations of the software were not natively built to recognize. The WebP Challenge
In the digital age, images have become an integral part of our online experience. With the vast amount of visual content being created and shared every day, efficient image management and compression have become crucial for web developers, digital marketers, and online businesses. This is where ThumbsPlus WebP comes into play, a game-changing technology that is revolutionizing the way we handle images on the web.
Sometimes the codec is installed, but ThumbsPlus hasn't been told to look for that file extension. You may need to manually add the file type to the database configuration. to batch-process them into JPEG or PNG files
ThumbsPlus WebP — Fast, native WebP support for ThumbsPlus
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
Given these benefits, WebP has become widely adopted across the web and is natively supported by all modern browsers.
For decades, Cerious Software ThumbsPlus has been a stalwart for photographers and designers, prized for its robust database-driven approach to image cataloging. However, the rise of Google’s WebP format —designed to replace JPEGs and PNGs with superior compression—has introduced new hurdles for users of "retro" management tools. The WebP Challenge in ThumbsPlus
As of April 2026, for thumbnailing or viewing in its current core versions, including Version 10 . While the software remains a powerful legacy tool for organizing large image libraries, its development has faced significant hurdles following the passing of its original creator in 2024. Current Status of WebP Support