Layered format

.xcf

GIMP's native layered raster format.

Category
Layered
Best for
Open-source image editing
Extension
.xcf

When to use it

Use XCF when open-source image editing. It is the right pick whenever those constraints apply.

When to avoid it

Reach for an alternative format in the layered category when your workflow has different priorities — see related formats below.

Related layered formats