How to convert an .xcf file/image to JPEG or PNG?

You have to export the image, not save it.

To convert:

1. Open the XCF file using GIMP
2. Click on File
3. Click on Export

4. Enter a filename

   It'll be saved as PNG by default. You can use any other format by simply adding the extension to your filename (like image.jpg, image.bmp) or selecting another file format in the bottom right of the export window.

5. Click on Export

The downside of exporting is that you'll only save what you see. So all your layers will be merged, and all editable components you may have added (like text) are not editable anymore.

So, if you would like to easily edit your images in the future, also save it as a XCF file as this will preserve all layers, components and other things as they are when you close GIMP.

.xcf is GIMP's native project file format similar to how .psd is Photoshop's native project file format. As Louis already explained saving in such formats has the benefit of being able to make modifications to editable components, which comes in handy when you work on big projects and have features like non-destructive editing and a history of modifications.

It makes sense to save into a project file format that is not intended to be viewed in a typical image viewer when you have users that use the program extensively for bigger projects and not just plain open, modify and save modifications workflows and you want to have a clear distinction between project files and image formats.

Earlier versions of GIMP allowed to save directly to standard image formats, this was remodeled into an export function with version 2.8. You can revert this through a plugin if you want:

• GIMP 2.8 doesn't allow to save usual image file formats (jpg, png) via Save dialog