GIMP Prepares to Replace 30-Year-Old XCF Format With Zipped XML Design
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GIMP Prepares to Replace 30-Year-Old XCF Format With Zipped XML Design
GIMP stands at a quiet but significant crossroads. After nearly three decades of faithful service, its native XCF project file format faces replacement. The open-source image editor’s developers have begun work on a new structure built around zipped XML. This shift addresses accumulating shortcomings in the binary format that has defined GIMP workflows since 1997. The news broke in the project’s official August 2026 development update. Maintaine…
GIMP announces the gradual replacement of the XCF format, used since 1997, by a new file structure based on compressed XML architecture. The team is currently working on a set of improvements for PSD compatibility and non-destructive editing.
The developers of the GNU Image Manipulation Program have given an outlook on the upcoming version 3.4. This is how they mainly model the old file format XCF. Changes are also made with the MyPaint Brush tool and the non-destructive editing. Since its inception, GIMP saves processed images by default in the in-house file format XCF. However, this is exactly what has now reached its limits.
GIMP is working on the future version 3.4. It will be a major version with important changes.1 / New file format for projectsA new format of the project files has been developed. So far, it was the XCF. This format is not the best for the heavier and complex projects. This new format should not appear with version 3.6. Maybe a preversion will be integrated into 3.4. The current format will continue to be available.2 / Spectral BlendingThe brush …
The GIMP project, after almost three decades with its XCF format, announces the development of a new format based on compressed XML, with automatic saving, better handling of large projects and assured compatibility. Learn all the details of this update that promises to modernize the open source design tool. *** GIMP plans to replace the XCF format, used since 1997, with a compressed XML format. The new format will improve efficiency, allow auto…
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