TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a high-quality image format often used in professional workflows — especially for printing, scanning, or archiving. It can store images without compression, preserving every pixel of detail.
TIFF supports layers, transparency, and very large color depths — which makes it ideal for editors and archivists but overkill for most everyday use.
Why Use TIFF?
- No compression = no quality loss
- Keeps full detail and color accuracy
- Accepted by most pro printing services
Downsides of TIFF
- Huge file sizes (often tens or hundreds of megabytes)
- Not web-friendly or easily shareable
- Some software may not fully support all TIFF features
When to Use It
- When sending files to a print shop
- For high-resolution scans or restorations
- For archiving images at the highest possible quality
Tips
- Export to TIFF only when necessary — not for daily backups or sharing
- Consider using RAW for working files and TIFF for final output
- If using transparency, check compatibility with your editor