XCF is GIMP's native format
XCF (eXperimental Computing Facility) stores GIMP's full working state — layers, masks, paths and channels. It's the GIMP equivalent of Photoshop's PSD, and GIMP is what creates it.
Want an XCF from your TIF? Here's why it needs GIMP — and the layered format that works everywhere.
You can't convert a TIF to XCF here — XCF is GIMP's own working format, written by GIMP itself.
XCF (eXperimental Computing Facility) stores GIMP's full working state — layers, masks, paths and channels. It's the GIMP equivalent of Photoshop's PSD, and GIMP is what creates it.
A TIF is a single flattened image. Saving it as XCF wouldn't add the layered, editable structure XCF exists for — so for most needs a standard format is the better target.
TIFF is a high-quality, often lossless raster format used in photography, scanning and print. Files are large but preserve maximum detail.
How to open TIFF opens in Photoshop, GIMP, Preview and professional imaging software.
Full TIF format guideXCF is GIMP’s native format preserving layers, paths and channels — the open-source equivalent of PSD.
How to open XCF opens in GIMP; export to PNG or PSD for other apps.
Full XCF format guideThe layered editor format that Photoshop, GIMP, Photopea and Affinity can all open.
TIF → PSDLossless with transparency — perfect for graphics, logos and screenshots.
TIF → PNGLossless and uncompressed — ideal for editing, archiving and print.
TIF → TIFF