In March 2012, SACLA started user operations of the first compact X‐ray free‐electron laser (XFEL) facility. SACLA has been routinely providing users with stable XFEL light over a wide photon energy range from 4 to 15 keV and an ultrafast pulse duration below 10 fs. The facility supports experimental activities in broad fields by offering high‐quality X‐ray optics and diagnostics, as well as reliable multiport charge‐coupled‐device detectors, with flexible experimental configurations. A two‐stage X‐ray focusing system was developed that enables the highest intensity of 1020 W cm−2. Key scientific results published in 2013 and 2014 in diverse fields are reviewed. The main experimental systems developed for these applications are summarized. A perspective on the facility upgrade is presented.