XCF file format: what it is and how to use it

XCF is GIMP's native working file: layers, masks, channels and editing state preserved in the open-source image editor's own format. Learn when to use it and what to choose instead.

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What is a XCF file?

An .xcf file is an image in GIMP's native format, the eXperimental Computing Facility file that preserves everything about a GIMP project: layers, masks, channels, paths, selections, guides and undo-relevant state. Like PSD is to Photoshop, XCF is the working file, not the product. Export flattened formats when the image leaves the editor.

When should you use XCF?

  • GIMP working files: the only format that preserves all of GIMP's editing state.
  • Non-destructive work: keep every layer and decision until export.
  • Open-source pipelines: the native format of the free graphics world.

When is another format a better fit?

For exchange with Photoshop-centric workflows, PSD (GIMP exports it, imperfectly). For delivery always PNG, JPG or WebP, flattened. For layered open-archival, ORA (OpenRaster) is the interoperable alternative.

The short version: XCF is GIMP's project file. Work in it, and export to PNG or JPG for the world.

How to open a XCF file

On Windows

Double-click the file, or open it with GIMP.

On macOS

Photopea opens XCF files on macOS.

In your browser

Open XCF files right in a browser tab or with the dexrr viewer. No install, no upload.

Also opens in

  • GIMP
  • Photopea
  • XnView

View or convert XCF files

A quick preview or a new format. No install, no upload.

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XCF technical details

Full name
GIMP XCF image
Extensions
.xcf
MIME type
image/x-xcf
Magic bytes
67 69 6D 70 20 78 63 66 (gimp xcf)
Compression
Lossless
Developer
GIMP project
Specification
gitlab.gnome.org

XCF questions, answered

How do I open a .xcf file?

GIMP opens it natively; Krita and some viewers read it; Photoshop does not. dexrr displays and converts xcf files directly in your browser.

Can I convert XCF files online?

Yes, dexrr converts xcf locally in your browser: XCF to PNG or XCF to JPG for flattened images, or XCF to PSD for Photoshop workflows.

Is XCF better than PSD?

Inside GIMP, yes, it preserves more of GIMP's state. For exchange with the Photoshop world, PSD is the lingua franca. Each is its editor's native file.

Why won't Photoshop open my .xcf?

It is GIMP's proprietary working format, and Adobe never implemented it. Export to PSD or flattened PNG/JPG for Photoshop workflows.

Is the XCF format outdated?

No, it is the maintained native format of GIMP, still the standard working file of the open-source graphics world.