GIMP 3.3.2 will change the default project file format for the first time in almost 30 years

Published Aug 18, 2026, 3:13 AM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account GIMP has gone from strength to strength in recent months. Back in March, we saw the introduction of non-destructive Link Layers that didn't lose fidelity no matter how much you squashed and stretched them. Now, the team has revealed that it's digging into the default project file format introduced in 1997 to give GIMP a more modern feel. GIMP 3.3.2's new file format will finally allow for autosaves It had a good run Over on the GIMP website, the team reveals what they've been working on for the next update, version 3.3.2. The main star of the show is moving away from a technology that has been with the image editing software for almost three decades now: "The big focus for maintainer Jehan recently has been developing a new project file format for GIMP. XCF has been GIMP’s primary project format since 1997, and it has served many users well. Over time, however, we’ve observed more and more limitations of the binary XCF format. Among other issues, it does not easily support very large or complex projects, such as the multi-page and animation features currently planned for GIMP 3.6." The new format will adopt a zipped XML format, which will allow GIMP to save projects faster and will allow its developers to implement autosaves a lot more easily. However, the GIMP team is quick to stress that this does not mean the XCF format is going away. You'll still be able to open XCF project files once 3.3.2 comes along. However, as you might imagine, you'll need to use the new format to use features the GIMP team plans to build around it. GIMP 3.3.2 contains even more goodies, such as a new Spectral Blending option for brushes, applying filters to layer masks non-destructively, and improvements to PSD file support, so be sure to check out the full changelog for all of the details.