GIMP Can't Open HEIC, WebP or RAW Files
Workaround available Windows, macOS, Linux Updated November 13, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research
Quick answer
GIMP needs HEIC/HEIF support in your build and external software for RAW files. Update GIMP, install darktable or RawTherapee for RAW, or convert HEIC to JPG first.
Most likely fix: Update to the latest GIMP
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Update to the latest GIMP
- Install the newest installer from gimp.org; official builds include more import formats than old ones
Did this fix it?2. Open RAW files via darktable or RawTherapee
- Install darktable or RawTherapee
- In GIMP, Edit > Preferences > Image Import & Export, choose the default raw plug-in
- GIMP 3.2 also supports ART for raw editing
Did this fix it?3. Convert as a fallback
- Convert HEIC to JPG or PNG with your phone's Share settings or another converter, then open the result
- Try File > Open as Layers if File > Open fails
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
Opening a photo gives an Unknown file type error or GIMP asks for a missing plug-in.
Why it happens
- Build lacks libheif support
- RAW camera files need an external raw processor
- File extension mismatch or corrupt file
This guide also covers
- gimp heic
- gimp can't open heic
- gimp raw files
- gimp open webp
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