GIMP developers are building a new project file format to replace the aging binary .xcf format, which dates back to 1997 and is hitting limitations as the editor adds features like animation and multi-page documents. The new format will use a zipped XML structure, similar to what office suites use, enabling faster incremental saves and potentially unlocking auto-save support. Technical details like the file extension are still undecided. XCF will remain supported indefinitely for backwards compatibility, including files as old as Google's original 1998 logo. GIMP already supports opening and exporting Photoshop .psd and OpenRaster .ora files.
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XCF is sticking around, thoughQuestions this post answers
Why is GIMP creating a new project file format instead of continuing to use XCF?
GIMP developers say the existing binary .xcf format, in use since 1997, is running into more and more limitations as they add major features like animation and multi-page documents. The replacement will use a zipped XML structure, similar to formats used by office suites, allowing faster saves since only changed parts of a project need to be written, which could enable auto-saving. Developers tracking GIMP's evolving file format can follow the rollout details on daily.dev.
Will GIMP stop supporting the XCF file format once the new project format ships?
No, XCF support will continue indefinitely for backwards compatibility even after the new project file format becomes the default for new projects using GIMP's newest features. The GIMP team notes that files as old as Google's first logo, saved as XCF in 1998, still open without issue in modern GIMP. Anyone maintaining old GIMP project archives can keep tabs on format compatibility news via daily.dev.