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How to convert a TIFF image file to a CR2 image file

by Casey Schmidt  |  May 19, 2020

3 min. read
Dials on a camera.

It’s tempting to consider the possibilities that would present themselves if you converted a TIFF file to a higher resolution image. Since the TIFF is already a quality graphic, this has probably been attempted quite a bit. The CR2 is one image type that would meet the criteria of a format with higher quality than a TIFF.

So, is it possible to convert the TIFF to CR2? This guide breaks everything down for you.

What is a TIFF image file?

The TIFF image file (Tagged Image File Format) is a high resolution image that provides users with extensive security features. TIFFs are raster images, meaning they are made up of different digital dots. They use metadata to give different details about each file. The TIFF is relatively unpopular, but it’s easy to open for all Windows and Mac users.

What is a CR2 image file?

The CR2 image file gives photographers a chance to move all their pictures from Canon cameras onto a computer without losing any resolution at all. The CR2 (Canon Raw 2, meaning second edition) portrays the entirety of an image taken on a camera by a photographer. Because of the immense resolution, CR2 files are quite large. This makes them difficult so share, among other things.

A Canon camera lens.
The CR2 is the official file for Canon cameras.

Can you Convert the TIFF to CR2?

Because the CR2 is a raw format, it is the initial image file in any conversion process. It is never the end file in a conversion (meaning you wouldn’t convert from an image type into a CR2). Therefore, it’s not actually possible to convert the TIFF to CR2. However, this isn’t a big issue to worry about. There are a lot of things to consider, which we will go over.

First, let’s examine the concept of converting from the TIFF to CR2. As we know, the CR2 is specifically a raw image file from a camera. Its entire purpose is providing a high resolution file for all photographs moved from a camera to a computer. Whether or not we need a different file type from the TIFF is essentially irrelevant, since the CR2 isn’t a valid receptacle. Instead, we’ll need to find some type of alternative.

A man pulling back a scenery.
Not every conversion is logical or possible.

Are there any alternatives?

First of all, the reverse conversion of these file types is possible. That is, if you have a CR2 file that you would rather have in TIFF form, you can use a browser-based converter. All this requires is an internet connection and enough hard drive space to download an image file. I recommend using Zamzar to make this specific conversion because of how fast and easy-to-use it is.

However, you’re likely looking for a way to convert the TIFF into a different image format. Converting to CR2 might have been appealing due to its high resolution, so let’s find an extension that offers a high quality image as well. The PNG is a lossless compression file type, meaning it retains its quality through resizing. Luckily, the TIFF is compatible to convert into it.

As disappointing as it may seem that the TIFF doesn’t convert into the CR2, know that it wouldn’t really be a logical switch to make anyway. Instead, look for different ways to use your TIFF, including converting to a different extension if all else fails. Good luck!