HomeImage ConverterXCF ConverterConvert XCF to STL

Free Online XCF to STL Converter

Or drag and drop your files here to upload.
A maximum of 20 files can be uploaded at once.

Please note: Your XCF file, once uploaded to our server will be deleted 15 minutes after upload so please download your converted XCF file before this time.

How to Convert your XCF to STL Online?

Here are 2 simple steps to convert your XCF to STL using our fast and free XCF converter tool.

Upload your XCF file

Click the "Upload a XCF File" button, then select a XCF to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your STL

Click the download link to receive your STL file.

File format information for XCF and STL

ExtensionXCF
Full NameGIMP - eXperimental Computing Facility
TypeImage
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatBinary

A .XCF file is a proprietary file format primarily associated with the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), an open-source raster graphics editor. XCF stands for eXperimental Computing Facility, which was the name of the building where the GIMP developers initially worked on the software. The XCF file format is specifically designed to store and retain all the editing capabilities of an image within GIMP, preserving layers, channels, paths, and various other editable features. As a result, XCF files serve as the native format for GIMP projects, allowing users to save and later continue their work without losing any editing data or quality.

Since XCF files maintain all the detailed information about an image's composition, they tend to be larger in size compared to common image formats like JPEG or PNG. However, this trade-off ensures that GIMP users can collaborate, share, or return to their projects for further modifications without degrading the image quality. While XCF files are essential for preserving the editability of GIMP projects, they might not be ideal for general sharing or web use due to their larger size and lack of widespread support in other image editing software.

When users have completed their image editing tasks in GIMP and are ready to share the final result, they typically export the project to a more commonly used image format like JPEG or PNG. By doing so, they create a "flattened" version of the image, merging all the layers and channels into a single, non-editable image file. This exported file can be easily viewed and shared on various platforms and devices, while the original XCF file is retained to preserve the ability to revisit and modify the project in GIMP as needed.

ExtensionSTL
Full NameStandard Triangle Language
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-pki.stl
FormatText
Opens WithBlender, MeshLab, CAD Assistant, DAZ Studio

An STL file, short for Stereolithography, is a widely used file format in 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) applications. It serves as a standard method to represent the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object. The format was first developed by 3D Systems in 1987 and has since become a fundamental file type in the additive manufacturing industry. STL files are essential in the process of converting digital 3D models into physical objects through 3D printing technology.

STL files consist of a collection of triangular facets that approximate the shape of the 3D model. The surface of the object is divided into numerous small triangles, forming a mesh representation. Each triangle is defined by three vertices in 3D space and possesses information about its orientation and size. Since STL files store only the outer surface of the model, they are often referred to as "mesh" files or "surface" files, as they lack information about the object's internal structure or color.

When using STL files for 3D printing, slicing software processes the 3D model by dividing it into layers and creating the instructions for the 3D printer to build the object layer by layer. Despite its simplicity and widespread usage, STL files have some limitations. They do not support color or texture information, and the triangle-based representation can lead to larger file sizes and reduced accuracy compared to other file formats. Nonetheless, STL remains a vital format in the 3D printing ecosystem due to its simplicity and compatibility with a wide range of 3D printers and software.

Information for converting from XCF to STL

Our XCF converter will convert your XCF file to a 3D model using the Heightmap process whereby 2D pixels, based on their luminosity, are converted into 3D space to create a full 3D STL model ready for download for further processing in your favourite 3D editing package or for printing on a 3D printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert my XCF file to STL?

First click the "Upload..." button, select your XCF file to upload. Your XCF file will be uploaded to our servers. When the XCF to STL conversion has completed, you can download your STL file straight away.

How long does it take to convert my XCF to STL?

We aim to process all XCF to STL conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds however this can be longer for certain files, so please be patient.

How accurate is the XCF to STL conversion?

We aim to provide the best conversion experience. Our tools are under constant review and development with new features being added every week.

How is the 3D model generated from my XCF image?

Our tool uses a Heightmap process whereby the STL 3D model is created based on the luminosity of the individual pixels in you XCF image.

Is there a limit to the size of my image?

Yes, to ensure our tool converts the XCF image quickly and with a reasonable final file size, your tool will resize any image larger than 600x600 pixels.