How to open TIFF files
Usually requires specialist software. When a browser or application cannot decode the file directly, convert a copy to JPG for compatibility or PNG when transparency and lossless graphics matter.
When to use TIFF
- Scanning
- Print production
- Archival masters
Best settings for TIFF
- Use TIFF for scanning, print handoff, archives, and high-quality production masters.
- Export TIFF to JPG for sharing and previews, PNG for lossless document graphics, or WebP/AVIF for web derivatives.
- Keep the TIFF master when color depth, print workflow, or metadata may be needed later.
Compatibility checklist
- TIFF files can be very large and may require more browser memory than typical web formats.
- Multi-page TIFF files should be split or handled in document/scanning software before web conversion.
- Browser conversion usually renders an 8-bit preview rather than preserving every specialist TIFF feature.
Limits to consider
- Files can be very large
- Multi-page TIFF is not processed by these static-image tools
Convert TIFF images
Choose an output based on the destination, not just file size. Conversion runs locally in your browser whenever the required decoder is available.