TIF file format: What it is, how it works, and when to use it
| February 11, 2020
What is a TIF file?
A TIF (or TIFF) file — short for Tagged Image File Format — is a raster image format that stores high-resolution image data along with extensive embedded metadata. TIF files use lossless compression, meaning image quality is preserved even when file size is reduced. They are widely used in photography, publishing, and archiving workflows where image fidelity and data integrity are critical.
Image library software enables teams to store and organize collections of visual media in one centralized platform.
How safe are TIF files?
The TIFF is one of the safest image file types available with exclusive standout safety features. The most important security benefit is the transparent data of every TIFF image file. This not only ensures users can evaluate the information about the photo before opening it but also prevents the chance of a virus hiding in the file. As a side note, this benefit extends further than security. Transparency of a file saves a lot of time as well.
The TIFF image type prevents users from placing links on the images, which would negate the file’s privacy. For example, when users click a link on an image they expose things like their location through their IP sometimes. Therefore, the TIFF is a step ahead of other image files when it comes to staying secluded. Also, TIFF are very tough to alter, making them a good choice to handle sensitive records.
What’s the difference between TIF and JPEG?
TIFF files are much larger than the JPEG image file, a result of their different compression capabilities. When TIFF compresses into a smaller size, it retains its data. On the other hand, JPEG compromises some data when is compresses smaller. TIFF are also a lot harder to edit and less commonly used as an image. The JPEG is a little more popular as well, probably due to the fact they’re more accessible. However, that isn’t to say the TIFF doesn’t have immense benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Benefits of using TIF
The TIFF has some very unique advantages to it compared to other image types. Make sure you have a firm grasp of them. Here are some of the exceptional benefits:
High resolution, lossless compression
Compression involves taking pictures and making them into a smaller size – typically useful for storage and convenience purposes. However, most compression results in loss of quality or resolution. Fortunately, TIFF uses lossless compression, maintaining original quality while reducing in size.
Space-saving size
TIFF has the potential to drastically minimize image sizes. This is a vital quality due to the typical size of images that use the TIFF format. As common storage continues to gravitate toward the cloud, the TIFF’s value grows exponentially – especially when the chosen cloud system has storage limits.
Advanced metadata storage (GeoTIFF)
This is particularly important for users seeking the best ways to store geo-referencing information in their image files. A GeoTiff stores metadata inside a TIFF image file, providing the user valuable information about an image’s GPS location and coordinates.
Downsides of using TIF
The unique aspects of TIFF are like a double-edged sword – sometimes being a rare file type brings issues. Here are a couple things that make TIFF difficult:
Website compatibility issues
It’s unlikely that anyone will choose to display TIFF images on a website, unless their site is showcasing high resolution images specifically. It’s simply overkill to construct a site using TIFF instead of things like JPEG or PNG. This is due to the massive size of the images.
Tough to open, edit
Most image files have a variety of ways to open them. Unfortunately for the TIFF, you’ll end looking for third party software to open them more often than not. Furthermore, editing is a lot tougher to do with TIFF. The most common method to edit a TIFF is unfortunately to first convert it into a different image file type. This at least allows users to edit the file using tools they’re comfortable with.
Ultimately, the TIFF gives users the ability to maintain image resolution, security and metadata information. The more you learn about it, the better you’ll be able to bend it to fit specific needs. Make sure to use the TIFF the way it was intended in order to maximize efficiency.