File extension question

I created an image with a lot of layers in GIMP 2.8. GIMP saves as xcf files which I don't think can be opened by anything but GIMP. Does anyone know what or how to convert this file into something other software can open - like jpeg, png, bmp? I have used file converters before so if someone could tell me what to convert it to that will keep the layers I'll convert it. Thanks!

I believe you need to select "export" from the file menu instead of "save" or "save as". Then down under where you type the name, there's a dropdown box to choose extensions from.

oops, reread the question.

Do you plan to open it in another program other than gimp? If so, you can save as a PSD as well, it allows it.

But there's nothing that isn't program specific that keeps layers. Bmp, jpg, etc compress.

Last edited on 2016-03-13 at 18:52:15 by Zell™

Zell is right. There should be an exporting option. My program only saves as a specific type as well unless I export.

I've created lines once before but this is my first time attempting to base/grey scale my lines. I would like to do a collab with someone to sell this piece as tags & I want to make sure the person I might collab with can open it and access all the layers.

@Zell - I didn't see the PSD option. Maybe I wasn't looking in to right place? I'm still learning all the buttons & doodads in GIMP. Thank you for the information on file types. I'm still very new to digital art and wasn't sure what worked with layers.

@Buck - Exporting? That's a brilliant idea. I didn't even think of doing something like that. Thank you!

Which file type would either of you suggest I use if I try to export it? Thanks!

I said the exporting thing haha.
And what you'd need to do is save it as either a psd or xcf if they have gimp (most people do, even if they dont use it.)

Then you can upload that file to sta.sh on deviantart and give them the link. They can download it as the same file.

Yes, XD it was Zell, I simply concurred, and explained my particular situation to affirm what Zell had said lol

Whoops! Sorry, Zell!

Thanks, Zell! I'll give that a try. And thank you both again for your help!

What I di for one was open the image my mom sent me via email (she needed to scan it for me) and then click 'view image' (I believe it is necessary), then click 'save as', then give it a name, chose to save it as a PNG or GIF or whatever, and then you should be good... or at least I was... XD :)

Raptorfang, we established that Gimp uses "export" to save in other formats besides xcf.

You're talking about something completely dfferent; Valzed wants to know how to save a file with layers, not a scanned one in an email.