09-07-2017, 12:09 PM
Well, it pains me slightly to recommend .psd as the default multi-layer file.
The problem is that with Gimp 2.9, only Gimp 2.9 can open the .xcf files created by it.
But a .psd exported from Gimp 2.9 can be opened by just about anything that can open a .psd. I can work in the newest Gimp and not worry so much. Krita, PS, and Gimp 2.8 can at least open them. Sure, I may lose a few features, but the layers, masks, groups, (and sometimes channels) are still there. Often the layer modes are close enough.
2 issues (among others) stand out: It looks like the .psd goes to 8 bit for export and the .psd is larger than .xcf. Not a big deal for me if I run my filters at 32 bit and then it goes to 8 for export. And I will happily pay he price for the larger files.
The problem is that with Gimp 2.9, only Gimp 2.9 can open the .xcf files created by it.
But a .psd exported from Gimp 2.9 can be opened by just about anything that can open a .psd. I can work in the newest Gimp and not worry so much. Krita, PS, and Gimp 2.8 can at least open them. Sure, I may lose a few features, but the layers, masks, groups, (and sometimes channels) are still there. Often the layer modes are close enough.
2 issues (among others) stand out: It looks like the .psd goes to 8 bit for export and the .psd is larger than .xcf. Not a big deal for me if I run my filters at 32 bit and then it goes to 8 for export. And I will happily pay he price for the larger files.