Free online XCF to PNG converter

Many recipients, websites, and apps cannot open GIMP project files but can display PNG images. Exporting an XCF as PNG produces a shareable, flattened rendering while retaining the original XCF for later edits.

What XCF and PNG store

XCF is the native project format used by GIMP. An XCF can retain layers, layer masks, text layers, channels, paths, selections, guides, metadata, and other GIMP editing data.

PNG is a lossless raster image format supported by browsers, operating systems, office software, and most image viewers. It is commonly used for screenshots, logos, interface graphics, diagrams, and images with transparent backgrounds. PNG supports alpha transparency, so transparent pixels can remain transparent instead of being replaced with a background color.

PNG stores rendered pixels, not a GIMP layer structure. It is therefore suitable for distribution and publishing, but not as a replacement for the editable .xcf source file.

Convert the file

To convert without installing software, upload the .xcf file to the converter on 101convert.com, select PNG as the output format, start the conversion, and download the resulting .png file.

For control over the rendered result, export from GIMP:

1. Open the file with File → Open.
2. Set the visibility of layers and groups exactly as required. Hidden layers are excluded from the PNG.
3. Check masks, text, and the background. GIMP applies visible layer effects and masks to the exported composite.
4. Select File → Export As.
5. Enter a filename ending in .png, choose a destination, and select Export.
6. In the PNG export dialog, select the required metadata and color-profile options, then select Export again.

PNG compression is lossless: changing its compression level affects export time and file size, not pixel quality.

Quality and compatibility limits

A PNG contains one rendered image. It does not preserve editable layers, layer masks, paths, guides, selections, or GIMP-specific settings. Keep the XCF file when further editing may be needed.

Transparency is retained only where the visible composite has transparency. To create an opaque PNG, add or enable a background layer before export. Flattening is not required for PNG export; GIMP exports the visible composite automatically.

Set the final pixel dimensions before exporting. PNG does not resize an image, and lossless compression can leave large photographs or high-resolution artwork with large file sizes. In GIMP, use Image → Scale Image to change pixel dimensions.

For broad web and application compatibility, convert wide-gamut or print-oriented artwork to sRGB with Image → Color Management → Convert to Color Profile before export. Some older software ignores embedded color profiles or has limited support for 16-bit PNG files, so test the exported file in the destination application when color accuracy or bit depth matters.