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How to Fix "Could Not Complete Your Request Because It Is Not the Right Kind of Document" WebP Error in Photoshop

·5 min read

Quick summary: Downloaded a .webp stock graphic or thumbnail from the web, but Photoshop throws an error when you try to open it? This happens because older versions of Adobe Photoshop (prior to Photoshop 23.2) do not include native WebP file reading support. Here is how to fix this issue in under 60 seconds.

Why Photoshop Fails to Open WebP Images

WebP is a modern web image format developed by Google. While browsers render it easily, desktop image editors built before 2022 do not recognize the file header format natively. When dragging a WebP image onto Photoshop, you will see this pop-up error:

"Could not complete your request because it is not the right kind of document."

Quick Fix 1: Convert to PNG in 5 Seconds (No Installation Needed)

If you are on a tight deadline and don't want to install plugin files or restart Photoshop, convert the image to a standard PNG before opening it:

  1. Open the ImgFyle WebP to PNG converter.
  2. Drop your .webp file into the browser window.
  3. Click Download PNG.
  4. Drag your new PNG straight into Photoshop — it will open immediately with full color accuracy and transparent layers.

Solution 2: Update Photoshop to Version 23.2 or Above

Adobe added native WebP support in Photoshop version 23.2 (released in early 2022).

  1. Open your Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app.
  2. Go to Apps → Updates.
  3. Locate Photoshop and click Update.
  4. Relaunch Photoshop. You can now open, edit, and save WebP files natively.

Solution 3: Install Google's Official WebPShop Plugin (For Older Photoshop Versions)

If you use an older version of Photoshop (such as CS6, CC 2019, or CC 2020), install Google's official free open-source plugin called WebPShop:

Step 1: Download the Plugin

Visit the official Google WebPShop GitHub repository and download the .8bi file for Windows or the .plugin file for macOS.

Step 2: Place File into Plug-ins Folder

  • Windows: move WebPShop.8bi into C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [Version]\Plug-ins\
  • Mac: move WebPShop.plugin into Library/Application Support/Adobe/Photoshop [Version]/Plug-ins/

Step 3: Restart Photoshop

Close and reopen Photoshop. You can now open .webp files and export directly via File → Save As → WebP.

Troubleshooting Comparison

Solution Time Required Permanent Fix? Transparency Kept?
ImgFyle Browser Converter 5 seconds Instant workaround Yes (100%)
Adobe CC App Update 3–5 minutes Yes Yes
WebPShop Plugin 2 minutes Yes Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my WebP image open as a single flat background layer?

WebP files flatten vector and adjustment layers into a single image layer upon web export. To retain editable text layers, save your master files in .psd or .png format before converting them for the web.

Can I save files as WebP in Photoshop CS6?

Yes, by manually installing the WebPShop.8bi plugin into your Plug-ins directory as shown in Solution 3 above.