File Format & Compatibility

How to Fix WebP Image URLs Not Working in Word Mail Merge

WPS Editor Sep 30, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to include WebP images via URLs in a Microsoft Word mail merge, but the format is unsupported.

How to Fix WebP Image URLs Not Working in Word Mail Merge

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a mail merge document in Word that dynamically loads images from web URLs.
Observed behavior: Word fails to render or fetch the WebP image URLs during the mail merge process, despite local files working with installed extensions.

Before you start

Verify that your data source spreadsheet contains the correct image URLs and ensure you have an active internet connection to download and convert the necessary files.

Solution 1Recommended

Convert WebP Images to JPEG or PNG

Convert your WebP images to universally supported formats like JPEG or PNG before initiating the mail merge to ensure full compatibility.

Microsoft Word's Mail Merge feature has limited support for fetching newer web image formats like WebP directly from URLs. Standardizing your images to JPG or PNG avoids rendering failures during the mailing process.

Download the WebP Image

Open the WebP image URL in your web browser, right-click on the image, and select 'Save image as' to download it to your local drive.

Convert the File Format

Use a local image editor like Windows Paint or a secure online image converter to open the WebP file, then select File > Save As to export it as a JPEG or PNG file.

Update Your Mail Merge Data Source

Upload the newly converted image to a web host and update your Excel data source with the new JPEG or PNG URL, or insert the local image directly into Word via Insert > Pictures.

Universal Compatibility: JPEG and PNG formats are fully compatible with Word Mail Merge across all software versions.

Solution 2

Use a Browser Extension for Automatic Conversion

Install a secure browser extension to quickly save web-based WebP images as JPGs without needing a separate converter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do WebP files work on my computer but not in Word Mail Merge?

Local viewing relies on your operating system or web browser, which natively supports WebP extensions. However, Word's internal engine for fetching images via URL during Mail Merge lacks direct support for handling the WebP format.

Can I install a plugin in Word to support WebP URLs?

Currently, Microsoft Word does not offer a native plugin or add-in to extend Mail Merge URL support for WebP. Converting the source images to JPEG or PNG remains the most reliable solution.

How can I automate image conversion for a large mailing list?

For bulk operations, you can use batch image conversion software or online bulk converters to process multiple WebP images into JPEGs simultaneously before updating your Excel data source.

Document & File Issues