lookup> .xcf

.XCF·File Extension

GIMP DocumentGIMP layered image document.

Data & Text
Extension.xcf
File typeGIMP Document
MIME type
CategoryData & Text
Charset
Compressible
Format familyxcf

What is a .xcf file?

A .xcf file is a GIMP Document — GIMP layered image document.

In the mime-db registry it has no registered standard MIME type. When serving this file over HTTP, use a Content-Type that matches its actual format.

  • Use VS Code or Notepad++ to open and edit .xcf files.
  • Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

# No standard MIME type is registered for .xcf

Common software that reads/writes .xcf:

GIMP
.xcfextension of
format
xcfserved as
mime type
sent via header
http header
  • Configuration files
  • Data interchange between systems
  • API request and response payloads
  • Logs and data exports
  • Open the file with GIMP, make your changes and save.
  • Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.
  • Create a new file and save it with the .xcf extension, or export this format from GIMP.

What programs can open .xcf files?

Common options include GIMP. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .xcf file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .xcf extension.

Updated 2026-08-18

Related extensions

Related headers

Related methods

Related status codes