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GIMP 3 - Supported File Formats
Learn about GIMP 3 and view a list of file types the program supports.
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Overview
Content
Software
| Version | 3(as of 6/13/2025) |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| License | Freeware |
| Category | Graphics |
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Rating:
3.0 | 372 Votes
Main Features
Software Overview
Screenshot of GIMP 3
GIMP, short for "GNU Image Manipulation Program," is a free and open-source graphics editor that allows users to retouch photos, compose images, and convert file formats. Photographers, designers, and artists often choose GIMP when they need a powerful image editing tool without paying for a commercial license.
GIMP is a layer-based editor with a flexible interface that resembles programs like Adobe Photoshop . Users can perform detailed photo edits, batch process images, convert between file formats, and apply complex visual effects. GIMP includes a wide set of painting and editing tools, such as the Airbrush, Pencil, Clone, Heal, and various Brush tools. It supports non-destructive editing with layer masks, adjustment layers, and transformable vector paths. GIMP also offers editable text layers, filter previews, QuickMask mode, and alpha channel support for transparency.
GIMP 3 introduced a more modern, responsive interface built on the GTK 3 toolkit, improved performance, and better support for HiDPI displays. It includes expanded color management features, enhanced GEGL-based processing, and better support for multithreading . GIMP can open and export to various image formats, including .JPEG , .PNG , .PSD , .PDF , .TIFF , .BMP , and .WEBP . Its native project format is .XCF , which preserves layers, masks, and other editing data. Users can customize their workflows with templates, scripted automation (via Script-Fu or Python ), and a large collection of third-party plugins .
Summary
GIMP is a powerful and flexible image editor that offers an array of tools for photo editing, painting, and file conversion. It supports many common image formats, provides a familiar interface for users of other editing software, and includes advanced features like layers, filters, and plugin support. Best of all, GIMP is completely free, making it a strong alternative to commercial image editors like Adobe Photoshop.
Primary File Type
.XCF GIMP Image
Supported File Types
| Extension | File Type |
|---|---|
| .XCF | GIMP Image |
| .AI | Adobe Illustrator Artwork |
| .CR2 | Canon Raw 2 Image |
| .DCM | DICOM Image |
| .DDS | DirectDraw Surface Image |
| .DGT | DST Thumbnail File |
| .DIB | Device-Independent Bitmap Image |
| .DICOM | DICOM Image |
| .EPS | Encapsulated PostScript File |
| .FITS | Flexible Image Transport System File |
| .G3 | CCITT Group 3 Fax Image |
| .GIF | Graphical Interchange Format File |
| .ICO | Icon File |
| .JBMP | JAmes OS Bitmap Image |
| .JFI | JPEG File Interchange Image |
| .JPG | JPEG Image |
| .JXL | JPEG XL Image |
| .ORA | OpenRaster Image File |
| .OTA | OTA Bitmap Image |
| .PCX | Paintbrush Bitmap Image File |
| .PEF | Pentax Electronic File |
| .PGM | Portable Gray Map Image |
| .PIX | Alias PIX Image |
| .PNG | Portable Network Graphic |
| .PNM | Portable Any Map Image |
| .PPM | Portable Pixmap Image |
| .PSD | Adobe Photoshop Document |
| .PTX | Pentax RAW Image File |
| .RAS | Sun Raster Graphic |
| .RAW | Raw Image Data |
| .RGB | RGB Bitmap |
| .SCM | GIMP Script-Fu Script |
| .SUN | Sun Raster Graphic |
| .SVG | Scalable Vector Graphic |
| .TGA | Targa Graphic |
| .TIF | Tagged Image File |
| .TUB | PaintShop Pro Picture Tube |
| .WEBP | WebP Image |
| .XBM | X BitMap Graphic |
| .XCF.BZ2 | GIMP Image Bzip2 Archive |
| .XCF.GZ | GIMP Image Gzip Archive |
| .XCF.XZ | GIMP Image XZ Archive |
| .XPM | X11 Pixmap Graphic |
| .XWD | X Windows Dump Image |
Additional Related File Types
| Extension | File Type |
|---|---|
| .APM | Aldus Placeable Metafile Image |
| .GBR | GIMP Brush File |
| .GGR | GIMP Gradient File |
| .GIH | GIMP Image Hose File |
| .ICON | Icon Image |
| .JPEG | JPEG Image |
| .PAT | Pattern File |
| .RS | Sun Raster Graphic |
| .SR | Sun Raster Graphic |
| .VBR | GIMP Parametric Brush File |
| .WMF | Windows Metafile |
| .XCFBZ2 | GIMP Image Bzip2 Archive |
| .XCFGZ | GIMP Image Gzip Archive |
| .XCFXZ | GIMP Image XZ Archive |
Updated 6/13/2025
Features
✅ Supports layers and layer masks for non-destructive editing.
✅ Includes tools for photo retouching and image enhancement.
✅ Offers painting tools like brushes, pencils, and airbrushes.
✅ Allows text editing with customizable fonts and styles.
✅ Supports a wide range of image formats, including PSD and PNG.
✅ Provides filters and effects for creative image adjustments.
✅ Enables scripting and automation using Script-Fu or Python.
✅ Supports third-party plugins to extend functionality.
Related
| Extension | File Type |
|---|---|
| .APM | Aldus Placeable Metafile Image |
| .GBR | GIMP Brush File |
| .GGR | GIMP Gradient File |
| .GIH | GIMP Image Hose File |
| .ICON | Icon Image |
| .JPEG | JPEG Image |
| .PAT | Pattern File |
| .RS | Sun Raster Graphic |
| .SR | Sun Raster Graphic |
| .VBR | GIMP Parametric Brush File |
| .WMF | Windows Metafile |
| .XCFBZ2 | GIMP Image Bzip2 Archive |
| .XCFGZ | GIMP Image Gzip Archive |
| .XCFXZ | GIMP Image XZ Archive |
Supported File Types
| Extension | Type |
|---|---|
| .XCF | GIMP Image |
| .AI | Adobe Illustrator Artwork |
| .CR2 | Canon Raw 2 Image |
| .DCM | DICOM Image |
| .DDS | DirectDraw Surface Image |
| .DGT | DST Thumbnail File |
| .DIB | Device-Independent Bitmap Image |
| .DICOM | DICOM Image |
| .EPS | Encapsulated PostScript File |
| .FITS | Flexible Image Transport System File |
| .G3 | CCITT Group 3 Fax Image |
| .GIF | Graphical Interchange Format File |
| .ICO | Icon File |
| .JBMP | JAmes OS Bitmap Image |
| .JFI | JPEG File Interchange Image |
| .JPG | JPEG Image |
| .JXL | JPEG XL Image |
| .ORA | OpenRaster Image File |
| .OTA | OTA Bitmap Image |
| .PCX | Paintbrush Bitmap Image File |
| .PEF | Pentax Electronic File |
| .PGM | Portable Gray Map Image |
| .PIX | Alias PIX Image |
| .PNG | Portable Network Graphic |
| .PNM | Portable Any Map Image |
| .PPM | Portable Pixmap Image |
| .PSD | Adobe Photoshop Document |
| .PTX | Pentax RAW Image File |
| .RAS | Sun Raster Graphic |
| .RAW | Raw Image Data |
| .RGB | RGB Bitmap |
| .SCM | GIMP Script-Fu Script |
| .SUN | Sun Raster Graphic |
| .SVG | Scalable Vector Graphic |
| .TGA | Targa Graphic |
| .TIF | Tagged Image File |
| .TUB | PaintShop Pro Picture Tube |
| .WEBP | WebP Image |
| .XBM | X BitMap Graphic |
| .XCF.BZ2 | GIMP Image Bzip2 Archive |
| .XCF.GZ | GIMP Image Gzip Archive |
| .XCF.XZ | GIMP Image XZ Archive |
| .XPM | X11 Pixmap Graphic |
| .XWD | X Windows Dump Image |