GIMP 3.4 to introduce new project format and enhanced PSD support

The GIMP project team has announced significant updates for the upcoming GIMP 3.4 release, focusing on a major overhaul of the software's core architecture and compatibility. A primary change is the introduction of a new default project file format. Moving away from the long-standing binary XCF structure, the new format will utilize a compressed XML structure. This transition is designed to support multi-page documents and animation, while improving saving speeds by only updating modified portions of a file rather than rewriting the entire project. Developers emphasized that backward compatibility remains a priority, and existing XCF files will continue to be supported.

Other major improvements include enhanced PSD (Photoshop) compatibility, such as the ability to edit text layers, import PSD descriptors, and export metadata to TIFF and JPEG files. The update also advances non-destructive editing capabilities, allowing users to apply filters to layer masks and use gradient tools without permanently altering the original data. Additionally, GIMP 3.4 will feature native operating system file dialogs, improved UI elements, and better support for Windows ICO, CUR, and ANI files. A preliminary development milestone, GIMP 3.3.2, is expected to be released for public testing in the near future.