How to convert PNG or JPG to WebP on Mac

By mamama, inc., makers of BiBimba · October 19, 2026 · BiBimba 1.5.0

You have a folder of PNG screenshots or JPG photos, and the destination asks for WebP. Instead of uploading each file to a converter, you can select them in Finder and create converted copies on your Mac.

The short version: select one image, or several images of the same format. Right-click and choose Services → Convert with BiBimba…, select WebP, then choose Convert. The originals stay untouched.

First, check whether you need another tool

For ordinary format changes, Preview’s File → Export offers formats including JPEG, PNG, HEIC, and TIFF; it also supports batch conversion via its sidebar. Finder’s Quick Actions → Convert Image is another built-in option, for example for HEIC-to-JPEG or PNG. If those meet your needs, no extra app is necessary.

The steps below cover BiBimba’s WebP output and its same-format batch workflow. It handles static PNG, JPEG, HEIC, TIFF, and WebP images; the conversion window shows the output formats available on your macOS version. Renaming a file’s extension is not a conversion.

Convert one image or a batch from Finder

1. Select the source files. In Finder, choose one image or several images of the same actual format, such as a group of PNGs. Run PNGs and JPGs as separate batches.
2. Open the converter. With BiBimba installed and running, right-click the selection and choose Services → Convert with BiBimba…. Check that the intended files appear in the conversion window.
3. Choose WebP. Select the format with the mouse or arrow keys, then choose Convert or press Return.
4. Check the copies. When processing finishes, choose Show in Finder or press Command-R. Open a result and check its appearance and size before using it.

The converted files are saved beside the originals. For example, banner.png becomes banner.webp; if that name already exists, BiBimba adds a number instead of overwriting it. Conversion does not automatically copy the files to your clipboard or add them to your history.

Prefer the keyboard? Select the files in Finder and press Control-Shift-F, the default configurable shortcut. The first use may ask permission for BiBimba to control Finder so it can read the selection. The Services route and ordinary file picker do not require that Finder Automation permission. You can also open Convert Images… from BiBimba’s menu-bar menu, or use Command-O in the conversion window to select files.

What happens to quality, transparency, and metadata?

• WebP is not automatically smaller or identical. BiBimba 1.5.0 uses lossy WebP encoding. Compare the result with the original, especially fine text and diagrams. PNG may be a better choice when compression artifacts are unacceptable.
• Transparent areas stay transparent in PNG, TIFF, and WebP output. JPEG and HEIC output are flattened onto white. Converting an already opaque JPG does not recreate a transparent background.
• Orientation is applied and color is normalized to sRGB. Source metadata and HDR are not preserved. Keep the originals if you need those properties or plan further editing.
• This is format conversion, not resizing. Version 1.5.0 does not offer resize or quality controls. Check that the app or website receiving the file accepts the output format.

These are working copies, not archival replacements. A smaller file is only useful if the visible result still works for its intended purpose.

If a selection will not convert

• Mixed formats: separate the files into batches. BiBimba checks the file contents, not just the extension.
• Animation or multiple pages: these inputs are rejected rather than silently keeping only the first frame or page. Use a tool designed for that content.
• Unavailable source or destination: make cloud-only files available locally and check that you can write to the source folder. Very large images or unsupported files can also be rejected.
• Missing Finder service or denied permission: open Convert Images… from BiBimba’s menu-bar menu and use the file picker. See support if the issue persists.

Files are processed one at a time in the background. Escape cancels a running batch; copies already saved remain in the folder. Check each file’s success or failure before retrying.

Image conversion runs locally and does not upload the images to a conversion service. App downloads, updates, and licensing still use the network; see the privacy policy. Apple Intelligence is not required for this conversion.

Working with screenshots too? Learn how to find them by their text or copy a QR code’s contents.