XCF Converter
Convert files to and from XCF online for free. Fast, secure, and high-quality file conversion with no sign-up or software required.
Maximum file size is 1GB
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What is an XCF file?
XCF (eXperimental Computing Facility) is the native project file format for the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP). It is a binary format designed to save all data associated with a GIMP editing session, including layers, channels, paths, transparency (alpha), and guides. The file structure relies on a pointer-based system to reference image tiles and uses simple Run-Length Encoding (RLE) for compressing pixel data. XCF is strictly a working format for image editing and is not intended for final image distribution or web rendering.
How to open an XCF file
The XCF format is proprietary to GIMP and should be opened using the GNU Image Manipulation Program on Windows, macOS, or Linux to preserve layer structure and editability. While some third-party viewers like IrfanView (with plugins), XnView, and Inkscape can import or view flattened versions of XCF files, they cannot write or edit the multilayered data natively. Operating systems do not provide native rendering support for XCF files.
XCF Technical Info
- Full Name
- eXperimental Computing Facility
- Developed By
- The GIMP Team
- Initial Release
- 1995
- MIME Type
- image/x-xcf
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