VKT Toolkit · August 28, 2026 · 7 min read

How to Save Any Image as PNG, JPG, or WebP in Chrome

Every browser has a "Save Image As" option — but it only saves the image in whatever format the server sends. If the website serves WebP, you get WebP. If it serves AVIF, you get AVIF. Chrome doesn't let you choose the output format.

That's where "Save Image as Type" extensions come in. They add format options to your right-click menu, letting you save any image as PNG, JPG, WebP, or — with the right extension — AVIF. Let's look at how this works and which tool does it best.

What Is the "Save Image as Type" Concept?

The idea is simple: when you right-click an image in Chrome, instead of just "Save Image As," you get additional options like:

• Save as PNG
• Save as JPG
• Save as WebP
• Save as AVIF

The extension intercepts the image, converts it to your chosen format using the browser's Canvas API, and triggers a download — all in a fraction of a second. No extra windows, no uploading, no copy-pasting into an image editor.

This concept has been around for years. The original "Save Image as Type" extension was one of the first to offer it. But in 2026, the landscape has evolved, and newer tools offer significantly more functionality.

The Classic "Save Image as Type" Extension

The original extension does one thing: adds "Save as PNG," "Save as JPG," and "Save as WebP" to the right-click menu. It's simple, lightweight, and has been around for years.

However, it has some limitations in 2026:

• No AVIF support — the most efficient image format available today isn't an option;
• No copy-to-clipboard — you can only download, not copy the converted image;
• No quality control — JPG and WebP output at default compression with no way to adjust;
• Limited cross-origin support — may fail on images served from CDNs with strict CORS policies;
• Minimal maintenance — updates are infrequent, and Manifest V3 migration status is unclear.

For basic PNG/JPG/WebP conversion, it still works. But if you need more, there's a better option.

VKT ImageConv: The Modern "Save Image as Type" Alternative

VKT ImageConv takes the "Save Image as Type" concept and extends it with features that matter in 2026:

1. Four Formats, Including AVIF

While most extensions stop at three formats, ImageConv adds AVIF — the next-generation format that's 50% smaller than PNG and 20% smaller than WebP. Right-click any image and choose from PNG, JPG, WebP, or AVIF.

2. Copy to Clipboard

Instead of downloading a file, you can copy the converted image directly to your clipboard. This is incredibly useful when you need to:

• Paste an image into an email compose window;
• Drop a screenshot into a Slack or Teams conversation;
• Insert an image into a Google Doc or Notion page;
• Share an image in a chat app without saving a file first.

Right-click → ImageConv → Copy as PNG. Done. Paste anywhere.

3. Quality Adjustment Sliders

For JPG, WebP, and AVIF output, ImageConv lets you control the compression quality with a simple slider. Need maximum quality for a print-ready file? Set it to 95. Want a tiny file for a quick share? Drop it to 50. You're in control.

4. Cross-Origin Image Support

Many websites serve images from CDNs with strict CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) headers. Standard extensions can't access these images for conversion. ImageConv uses a Service Worker architecture to handle cross-origin images reliably, so it works on virtually any website.

5. Smart Link Cleaning

CDN image URLs are often loaded with tracking parameters — ?w=800&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop and similar strings. ImageConv's smart link cleaning strips these parameters, giving you a clean image URL and a cleaner download.

6. JPG White Fill for Transparent Images

When you convert a transparent PNG to JPG (which doesn't support transparency), most tools produce a black background. ImageConv automatically fills transparent areas with white — the expected behavior for documents, emails, and print.

7. 100% Local, Zero Tracking

Every conversion happens entirely in your browser. No images are uploaded to any server. No analytics, no tracking pixels, no data collection. Your images stay on your device.

8. Built for 2026

ImageConv is built on Manifest V3 — the latest Chrome extension platform. It's lightweight (minimal memory footprint), has no external dependencies, and is fully compliant with Chrome's evolving security requirements. It also supports 6 languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, German, Spanish, and French.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When to Use Each Format

Not sure which format to pick? Here's a quick guide:

• JPG — Best for photographs and images without transparency. Universal compatibility. Smallest file size among lossy formats (except AVIF). Use when uploading to social media, attaching to emails, or submitting to forms;
• PNG — Best for screenshots, logos, and images with transparency. Lossless quality. Larger files. Use when you need pixel-perfect accuracy or transparent backgrounds;
• WebP — Best for web use. Supports both lossy and lossy compression plus transparency. 25–35% smaller than JPG. Use when building websites or sharing in apps that support WebP;
• AVIF — Best for next-gen web. Smallest file sizes with excellent quality. Supports HDR and 10-bit color. Use when targeting modern browsers or when file size is critical.

How to Get Started

1. Install VKT ImageConv from the Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons;
2. Navigate to any website with images;
3. Right-click an image;
4. Select ImageConv → Save as [format] or ImageConv → Copy as [format];
5. Adjust quality if needed (for JPG/WebP/AVIF).

That's it. No configuration, no accounts, no setup. It works immediately after installation.

FAQ

Explore more tools in the VKT Extensions catalog, or reach us at [email protected].