GIMP is preparing a new project format to replace XCF after nearly 30 years

The GIMP project has published another development report covering work on version 3.4 and subsequent releases of this free alternative to Adobe Photoshop. One of the most notable initiatives is the creation of a new project file format that is meant to eventually replace XCF.

XCF has served as GIMP's main format since 1997, and now, after nearly three decades, a replacement is in the works. The new format will be built around an XML-based structure packed into a ZIP archive, which will make file operations more efficient. On top of that, the developers promise support for autosave, as well as better handling of large and multi-page projects.

It is specifically noted that the new format will prove more convenient for the animation features planned for GIMP 3.6. For now the format remains at the design and implementation stage, but the developers intend to keep backward compatibility with XCF going forward.

Other areas of work

Beyond the new file format, the report mentions a number of other improvements. Work is underway on brushes, the non-destructive filters code continues to evolve, and support for the Adobe PSD format is being improved. Integration with native system file-selection dialogs has also been added.

More detailed information about the work on GIMP's capabilities is provided by the developers on the GIMP.org website.

Source: Phoronix