---
title: ".xcf file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .xcf file is a GIMP Image. GIMP's own layered working file — the free equivalent of a PSD. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/xcf/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .xcf files

**.xcf file: GIMP Image**

GIMP's own layered working file — the free equivalent of a PSD.

## What opens a .xcf file

- **Windows:** GIMP
- **macOS:** GIMP
- **Linux:** GIMP
- **In a browser:** Photopea

## What a .xcf file is

XCF stores a GIMP project with its layers, channels, paths and selections intact. Only GIMP reads it fully; the browser editor Photopea imports it, and Krita offers partial support. Nothing else does, so export to PNG or TIFF before sending the image to anyone who does not use GIMP.

## Converting it

A .xcf file is commonly converted to .png, .jpg, .tiff, .psd or .webp. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .xcf
- **Full name:** GIMP Image
- **Category:** Images
- **Created by:** The GIMP Development Team
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .xcf file?

On Windows use GIMP; on macOS use GIMP; on Linux use GIMP. GIMP's own layered working file — the free equivalent of a PSD.

### What is a .xcf file?

GIMP Image. XCF stores a GIMP project with its layers, channels, paths and selections intact. Only GIMP reads it fully; the browser editor Photopea imports it, and Krita offers partial support.

### Can I convert a .xcf file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .png, .jpg, .tiff, .psd or .webp, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.jpg — JPEG Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/jpg/)
- [.png — Portable Network Graphics](https://atoneplace.net/file/png/)
- [.jpeg — JPEG Image (four-letter form)](https://atoneplace.net/file/jpeg/)
- [.heic — High Efficiency Image Container](https://atoneplace.net/file/heic/)
- [.webp — WebP Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/webp/)
- [.gif — Graphics Interchange Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/gif/)
- [.psd — Adobe Photoshop Document](https://atoneplace.net/file/psd/)
- [.svg — Scalable Vector Graphics](https://atoneplace.net/file/svg/)
- [.ai — Adobe Illustrator Artwork](https://atoneplace.net/file/ai/)
- [.avif — AV1 Image File Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/avif/)
- [.tiff — Tagged Image File Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/tiff/)
- [.raw — Camera Raw Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/raw/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)