.XCF File Extension

GIMP Image

Developer GIMP
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What is an XCF file?

An XCF file is an image file created by GIMP, a free and open-source image editing tool. It is the native format for saving files with GIMP, storing layers, channels, paths, guides, and other image data. XCF files retain the complete editing structure of the image, allowing GIMP users to close and re-open images to edit them further and then export them to other, more widely-supported formats, such as .JPEG or .PNG, for sharing or publishing purposes.

More Information

Screenshot of a .xcf file in GIMP 2.1
XCF file open in GIMP 2.1

GIMP offers image-editing tools that graphic designers, photographers, and illustrators use to create and modify different types of raster graphics. The software is also extensible, allowing you to add capabilities via plugins.

Since XCF files may grow large, GIMP allows you to apply compression to XCF images to reduce sizes when saving them, which is helpful when backing up or transferring XCF files. Compression options include gzip, bzip2, and XZ.

NOTE: XCF stands for "eXperimental Computing Facility," which is a group of mainly undergraduate students interested in advancing Computer Science.

How to open an XCF file

You can open XCF files with GIMP in Windows, macOS, and Linux. To open an XCF file with GIMP, select File → Open.

Several third-party apps can also open XCF files, including XnViewMP, IrfanView, and CinePaint.

How to convert an XCF file

Several programs, including GIMP and XnViewMP, can convert XCF files to other file types.

For example, GIMP can convert XCF files to the following formats:

  • .JPG - JPEG Image
  • .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
  • .TIF - Tagged Image File Format
  • .GIF - Graphical Interchange Format
  • .WEBP - WebP Image
  • .BMP - Bitmap Image
  • .JXL - JPEG XL Image
  • .HEIC - High Efficiency Image Format
  • .EPS - Encapsulated PostScript
  • .PDF - Portable Document Format

Programs that open XCF files

Windows
Free
Mac
Free
Linux
Free
Web

Verified by FileInfo.com

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