How to convert a PNG image file to a TIFF

The PNG is a very basic image file with quality resolution. The TIFF, on the other hand, has a lot of complexities that other image file types don’t. Use this guide to learn how to convert a PNG to a TIFF.

What is a PNG?

The PNG image file is a raster image, meaning it is constructed piece-by-piece using different sections. It’s a lossless compression file type, which entails it’s capable of transforming into a much smaller size without losing any of the original resolution or quality.

What is a TIFF?

The TIFF image file is a Tagged Image File Format that is extremely secure. In fact, it’s one of the most safe image types available. It also stores metadata within each file, giving users important information about the image without having to open a file.

How to convert using Windows

It’s simple to convert a PNG file to a TIFF file using Windows, especially if you just need one file converted. Here’s how to do it:

1. Locate the PNG file you wish to convert
2. Right-click it
3. Select ‘edit’ (or select ‘open with’ then select ‘paint’)
4. In the opened paint image, select ‘file’ then ‘save as’
5. In the dropdown box under the naming space, select TIFF
6. Click ‘save’ and your TIFF file is ready

How to convert using Mac

1. Locate the PNG file you wish to convert
2. Using ‘Preview’, click ‘File’ then choose ‘Export’
3. Choose TIFF from the list
4. Click ‘Save’
5. Your TIFF file is ready

Remember that these are the most basic ways to convert. If you don’t want to go through these steps each time, a third-party conversion software is the way to go. Furthermore, conversion software might work better for files in bulk.

Why convert?

The PNG is a very basic image file type and cannot handle a lot of the things a TIFF can. TIFF is known to efficiently hold large volumes of graphic data. It is also space-saving due to its compression capabilities, in which it shrinks in size while not sacrificing a lot of quality. Also, the extensive metadata of TIFF make it ideal for users who need a lot of information about their files at any given time.

The TIFF is known for its multi-page functionality, something the PNG isn’t capable of. Multiple-paged images should be printed and saved in a TIFF. If you have a project in need of a large amount of printed pages, converting from PNG to TIFF makes a lot of sense.

How to convert back

It’s certainly possible to convert back in case you lose the original PNG file. In order to do so, either use a converter and set it to PNG or use a similar method to the ones above. Here’s a quick outline to convert backward.

Windows

1. Locate the TIFF file
2. Right-click it
3. Select ‘edit’ (or select ‘open with’ then select ‘paint’)
4. In the opened paint image, select ‘file’ then ‘save as’
5. In the dropdown box under the naming space, select PNG
6. Click ‘save’ and your PNG file is ready

Mac

1. Locate the TIFF file
2. Using ‘Preview’, click ‘File’ then choose ‘Export’
3. Choose PNG from the list
4. Click ‘Save’
5. Your PNG file is ready

This would only be necessary in the result of an accidental deletion of your original PNG file. TIFF files typically don’t fit well into a PNG, so avoid this conversion if possible.

The PNG gives users a foundation for editing and image sharing. However, it lacks the complexity TIFF offers. If you need a complicated solution, convert to the TIFF.