XCF Viewer

The XCF Viewer analyzes an .xcf file to expose its content and structure without editing. It reads the file header, enumerates layers, identifies visibility and grouping, captures dimensions and color mode, and renders a representative raster preview. The tool targets digital asset managers, designers, QA teams, and integrators who need fast validation of XCF assets before import or hand-off. It centers on domain logic rather than UI; its value lies in accurate file interpretation and structured reporting.

Core features include: parsing the XCF file, extracting metadata (width, height, color mode, bit depth), listing layers with names and visibility, and returning a preview by compositing visible layers. Required features include: file parsing, metadata extraction, layer enumeration, and a preview renderer. Optional capabilities include: nested group traversal, per-layer metadata export, and a structured JSON report for automation. The tool applies strict read-only processing to preserve source data.

Who benefits: asset libraries, printing studios, game pipelines, and any workstream needing deterministic XCF assessments. Use cases include confirming layer counts, validating document size, and ensuring expected color mode before conversion or export. Unique differentiators include faithful interpretation of GIMP's XCF semantics and generation of a consistent preview that mirrors on-disk content without launching the editor. Outputs and error handling: the tool outputs a structured report (layers, dimensions, color space, preview image data) and handles corrupted or unsupported files with explicit error codes and safe fallbacks. It operates in regional formats that default to pixels and standard color spaces; localization-ready metadata uses standard strings. Assumptions & Exclusions: Assumes valid XCF structure; does not convert formats, edit layers, or modify the source; excludes support for non-XCF formats and advanced GIMP-specific features beyond metadata and a basic preview.