A comprehensive guide to convert JPG to TIFF
November 3, 2019
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The JPG is one of the most basic image file types available, making it a very popular choice. However, it often lacks capabilities that only niche file extensions have. When this stands in the way of your progress, it’s time to consider converting. The TIFF is a complex image format that a lot of users benefit from. Learn how and why to convert from JPG to TIFF.
What is a JPG?
The JPG image file is a lossy compression file type, meaning that it is capable of reducing in size but this reduction brings with it loss of resolution. The JPG is interchangeable with the JPEG, as they’re both the standard for the Joint Photographic Experts Group. It is a highly editable file.
What is a TIFF?
The TIFF image file is the tagged image file format, a high securely image extension. It’s used only in specific situations in which users need enhanced security on a graphic file. The TIFF stores extensive metadata inside each image file, allowing users the ability to gather information about a picture before opening it.

How to convert using Windows
It’s fortunately pretty easy to convert a JPG to a TIFF using Windows, especially if you only have a small amount of files you need converted. Here’s how:
- Locate the JPG file you wish to convert
- Right-click the file
- Select ‘edit’ or select ‘open with’ > ‘paint’
- In the Paint image, click the ‘file’ menu and click ‘save as’
- In the dropdown box, select TIFF
- Name the file and choose your location

How to convert using Mac
- Locate the JPG file you need to convert
- Using ‘Preview’, choose ‘file’ then ‘export’
- From the selection, choose TIFF
- Click ‘save’
If neither of these options suit you, there’s always third party conversion programs. These are ideal for users who wish to convert a large amount of files all at once. If you’re in need of conversion software, consider Zamzar, a browser-based system, for their simple interface and fast upload and download speeds.
Why convert?
The JPG is a very common file type that covers a wide range of functions and user needs. However, it’s just too basic to handle specific tasks that only things like the TIFF are capable of doing. Even though the TIFF is larger than the JPG, it’s compression abilities make up for the size. If needed, it can shrink without losing resolution.

The main reason to convert to TIFF is the overall safety features. The JPG just doesn’t measure up to the security of TIFF, particularly because of its transparency. The TIFF lets users evaluate a photo without having to open it. This prevents potential viruses and other security issues from occurring.
How to reverse the process
If you’ve made a mistake and wish to revert your TIFF file back to a JPG, the process is very similar. The above steps are the same, only switch TIFF with JPG and vice-versa when necessary. Similarly, there’s third party software to accommodate the reversal as well. In fact, Zamzar, the browser-based service, is capable of converting TIFF to JPG. Knowing how to convert back is important if you’re converting in bulk, since sometimes you’ll end up converting a file you didn’t wish to.
The JPG has mostly everything a user could ever want from an image file. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s not enough. The TIFF has so many unique features, it’s inevitable a user will choose it. When this is the case, make sure you understand how to convert.