@lizardbreath 'ello, Liz,
Yes, you can import/read a .tif into The Gimp.
You can export something from The Gimp to a .tif.
But you cannot export something from The Gimp as an .xcf
you have to use save/save as to be able to do that.
Or have I completely misunderstood you?
Have fun!
Claes in Lund, Sweden