Images · 2 min read
What is TIFF?
TIFF is common in scans, printing and archives. Here is what the format is, why it takes so much space and how to get a convenient JPG or PNG from it.
Updated: November 2, 2026
What is TIFF
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a raster format for storing images losslessly. It supports different colour models, transparency and multiple pages in one file. That is why scanners, print shops and archives like it.
Why TIFF is so large
The file stores a lot of data and often uses lossless compression such as LZW. For a high-resolution scan that is normal, but for a website or email the size is excessive.
When TIFF is needed
- scanning documents and photos;
- preparing images for print;
- archiving without quality loss;
- working in applications that require TIFF.
How to convert TIFF to JPG or PNG
JPG is convenient for the web and sharing: it is smaller and opens everywhere. For transparency and lossless editing, choose PNG.
Our TIFF to JPG and TIFF to PNG converters process the file on the server with sharp: browsers do not open TIFF directly. The result is deleted after download or within an hour.
Limitations
Multi-page TIFF files are not supported in the current version. The colour profile may be converted to sRGB, and transparency is replaced with white in JPG.
Questions and answers
How is TIFF different from JPG?
TIFF usually stores images losslessly and supports transparency, so files are larger. JPG uses lossy compression and is smaller but less suitable for repeated editing.
Why does a browser not open TIFF?
Browsers do not support TIFF as a display format. For viewing and publishing, convert it to JPG, PNG or WebP.
Can I convert a multi-page TIFF?
The current version processes the main frame. For multi-page files, use a desktop tool.
Which format is best for print?
TIFF remains a reliable choice for print. For the web and sharing, JPG or PNG are better.