How do I view .xcf files or convert them to something usable?

[trow2]

Hi,

Just downloaded GIMP, just about managed to import and edit a pic, but can't save it in any other format than .xcf which seems only to be viewable via GIMP? How do I save to a format that I can view in other programs? (My original image was RAW).

Thanks,

Matt.

[rich2005]

Gimp Saves in the Gimp native format something.xcf or a compressed version something.xcfgz...

For any other format png / jpg / tiff use Export. Note the default is png. Make sure you use the correct suffix extension for the format required and Gimp will bring up the relevant export dialogue.

see: https://docs.gimp.org/en/gimp-images-out.html

note: Gimp .xcf keeps all layers (including text as text) + masks, channels guides and grid settings in the file. Only export as a very final operation.