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 PNG? Here's why it needs GIMP — and the layered format that works everywhere.
You can't convert a PNG 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 PNG 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.
PNG is a lossless raster format with full transparency. It keeps every pixel intact, making it ideal for logos, icons, screenshots and graphics with sharp edges.
How to open PNG opens in every browser and image viewer, plus Photoshop, GIMP, Preview and Photos.
Full PNG 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 guide