.xcf

What is a .xcf file?

XCF is GIMP's native project file format, preserving layers, masks, paths, and full editing state.

Safe format
Type Image
By GIMP Development Team
MIME image/x-xcf

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What is it

XCF is to GIMP what PSD is to Photoshop — the native working format that preserves everything. Layers, layer masks, channels, paths, text objects, colour profiles, parasites (GIMP's term for metadata), and the complete undo history can all live in an XCF file. If you close GIMP and reopen the file, you're exactly where you left off.

The format is not designed for sharing or final output. No web browser, no social media platform, and very few applications outside GIMP understand XCF. It exists purely as a working format — save your work-in-progress as XCF, export your final output as PNG, JPG, or TIFF.

GIMP opens XCF natively (obviously). For viewing without GIMP, XnView and IrfanView can display a flattened preview. Converting to PSD for Photoshop users is possible through GIMP (File → Export As → .psd), but complex features may not translate perfectly — layer groups, certain blend modes, and GIMP-specific features have imperfect PSD equivalents.

Technical details
Full Name
GIMP Image
MIME Type
image/x-xcf
Developer
GIMP Development Team
Magic Bytes
67 69 6D 70 20 78 63 66
Safety
.xcf is a known, safe format. Image project file. No executable content.
What opens it
GIMP
FREE Windows / Mac / Linux
XnView
FREE Windows / Mac / Linux
FAQ
Can I open XCF files without GIMP?
For viewing only, XnView and IrfanView can display a flattened preview. For full editing with layers, you need GIMP. Photopea (browser-based) also has limited XCF support.
Can I convert XCF to PSD?
Yes — in GIMP, use File → Export As and select .psd. Most layers and basic features translate, but some GIMP-specific features may not convert perfectly.
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