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XCF File - What is an .xcf file and how do I open it?
Learn about .XCF files and view a list of programs that open them.
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What is an XCF file? An XCF file is the native image format used by GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), a free, open-source image editor. It stores all the elements of a working image in GIMP, including layers, channels, paths, selections, guides, and text. XCF files enable users to save their entire editing progress and resume work on the image later without losing any data.
More Information XCF file open in GIMP 3 Graphic designers, photographers, and illustrators use GIMP to edit and create raster graphics . The software supports various tools for photo retouching, digital painting, and graphic design. It also supports plugins , enabling users to extend its capabilities with custom features and automation scripts . Because XCF files store full editing information, they can become large in size. To help manage this, GIMP supports file compression when saving XCF images, using options like gzip, bzip2, or XZ to reduce file size, which is especially useful for backups or sharing working files. NOTE: XCF stands for eXperimental Computing Facility, the name of the student computing group at UC Berkeley where GIMP was originally developed.
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.XCF File Extension
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| Developer | GIMP |
| Popularity |
3.9 | 135 Votes |
NEW: Open your .XCF file online with File Helper . View Online
What is an XCF file?
An XCF file is the native image format used by GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), a free, open-source image editor. It stores all the elements of a working image in GIMP, including layers, channels, paths, selections, guides, and text. XCF files enable users to save their entire editing progress and resume work on the image later without losing any data.
More Information
XCF file open in GIMP 3
Graphic designers, photographers, and illustrators use GIMP to edit and create raster graphics . The software supports various tools for photo retouching, digital painting, and graphic design. It also supports plugins , enabling users to extend its capabilities with custom features and automation scripts .
Because XCF files store full editing information, they can become large in size. To help manage this, GIMP supports file compression when saving XCF images, using options like gzip, bzip2, or XZ to reduce file size, which is especially useful for backups or sharing working files.
NOTE: XCF stands for eXperimental Computing Facility, the name of the student computing group at UC Berkeley where GIMP was originally developed.
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:
Programs that open XCF files
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Windows
GIMP
Free
CinePaint
Free
XnViewMP
Free
IrfanView
Free
Mac
GIMP
Free
Seashore
Free
CinePaint
Free
XnViewMP
Free
Linux
GIMP
Free
CinePaint
Free
Kolourpaint
Free
Web
FileHelper.com
Free
Photopea
Free +
Category: Raster Image Files
Updated: June 13, 2025