A recent development update for the free image editor GIMP offers a preview of the upcoming version 3.4. Two changes stand out: a new default project format and significantly improved compatibility with Photoshop files. Important: GIMP 3.4 is still in development – the features will arrive with the final release.
A new format after almost 30 years
The biggest change is a new default project format based on a “zipped XML” structure. It replaces XCF, in use since 1997, as the primary format – while the existing XCF remains supported. The new format’s advantages: support for multi-page and animation content, and faster saving, because only changed parts are written instead of the whole file.
Better Photoshop compatibility
- Editable text layers and import of PSD descriptors.
- Importing shapes as vector layers, plus adjustment layers and modern layer styles shown as their GEGL equivalents.
- Exporting PSD metadata for TIFF and JPEG files.
There are further improvements too: “Spectral Blending” in the MyPaint brush for more realistic colour mixing, more non-destructive editing (such as filters on layer masks and a non-destructive gradient tool), and the option to use your operating system’s native file dialog. Above all, the new project format is a milestone for free image editing.
Sources: GIMP – development update, Linuxiac.
