GIMP Version: 2.6.11
Operating System: Mac OS
OS Version: XP - SP3
GIMP Experience: Beginner Level

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What should an .xcf image look like on your desktop when saved?

Mine look like this.

xcf thumbnails are not displayed by OS file browsers.
But there is a workaround.
Install XnView for Mac OS and in Tools>Options>Browser>Thumbnail toggle Show_thumbnail for file shortcut.
Also under System integration toggle Use_XnView Shell Extension.
You should be able to see an actual thumbnail of xcf file instead of sys icon.

I'm using Sagethumb lightweight software which displays xcf's thumbs just like any other popular image formats (jpeg, png) but this small software is for Windows OS only.


P.S. not sure what OS you're using. It says Mac and Win XP. Do you have both?

Thanks for that. Sounds technical but i will work through it.
I am using OS X 10.8.2
It reverts to default options when I enter these details so I don't bother anymore.
All rather frustrating.

My xcf looks like this when I save to desktop

Molly yours is much prettier than mine! LOL

But seriously I am losing my SOH with GIMP.

Am I that stupid.

I downloaded XnView as suggested but do you think I can get it to display?
I can't even find the rest of what K1TesseraEna is trying to tell me what to do.

Time to give up maybe.

Oh and I really am not a quitter but this program although it looks better than brilliant has me stumped.
Is it because I got it for free?
Is there in fact a paid version?

Molly is it on your Linux or brand new Windows 8 laptop?

It is on my Linux. I don't use the Windows 8 desktop. That one belongs to the other half and I don't touch it,

bredies, you are not stupid. It takes a lot of time to learn everything there is to know in Gimp. I have been using it now over 2 years and I haven't even scratched the surface yet. There is a lot of people on this forum that like to help so just keep on asking and you will get there.

bredies, it's all in the same Tools>Options. Please, don't forget to hit OK after you made changes.
I'm not sure if the system restart required for the changes to take effect. Never used Mac OS.
And don't get frustrated.

Thanks for the encouragement but when it has taken half a day to unsuccessfully try to load a simple image then the tolerance levels sag dramatically!
And that is even before I ask for help on what I am trying to do!

K1 Which "Tools>Option" are you talking about?
Is it the Gimp or the XnView?

if you want use as wallpaper, or share the images you edit you should after save EXPORT as jpg
(or png if are transparent part to preserve)

The xcf format is useful to maintain images editable (saving also layers ,selection etc)

If your images have only one layer, no selection or path to save you may even export directly as png ,that will result in a smaller file that can be opened by any graphic program

I don't use Mac so i can't suggest how solve for the thumbs, but here are several mac user that should know more

If I go to Tools in XnView I don't get Options. Instead I get this:



So I assume it is the "Settings" and that then gives me this:



None of which seems to be what K1 advised.

Photo Comics
Thanks for that. I can save it as a .jpeg but want some help with the image which cannot be done in .jpeg
Seems the folks here can best help when in .xcf

It's Settings then.
I have Windows version and it listed as Options.
Don't have Mac OS, sorry.

Don't forget to click full editor...beside the submit button...Go the the very bottom and you will see
this... upload your xcf with that.

We can open your attached XCF in GIMP, you don't actually need to attach thumbnail here.

bredies: before you loose your patience completely, i think you should take a break with xnview and just try to get that xcf file uploaded here on gimp chat so you can get started on what you want to be doing. xnview is a good tool if you want to be able to preview your xcf:s, but it's not necessary for what you're working on, is it? you can save as xcf in gimp and attach xcf file here on gimp chat without xnview, and if i were you that's what i'd concentrate on first. but of course, i'm a bit lazy, i've used gimp for a long time now without any preview of xcf files - i keep thinking i should install xnview but haven't got round to it yet.

Anmal that is what I am trying to do. Would you like to tell me how I do it?

What do you mean by "full editor"?
I am not using "quick reply"

I am going to attach exactly as I understand your instructions here:

I have no idea if that worked.

yes it did. it opened for me.