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TIFF file format

Extension.tiff
Categoryimages
Programs
Microsoft Windows Photos (Windows)
Microsoft Windows Photo Viewer (Windows)
Apple Preview (Mac)
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite (Windows)
Adobe Photoshop (Windows & Mac)
Adobe Photoshop Elements (Windows & Mac)
Adobe Illustrator (Windows & Mac)
ACD Systems ACDSee (Windows)
MacPhun ColorStrokes (Mac)
Nuance PaperPort (Windows)
Nuance OmniPage Ultimate (Windows)
Roxio Toast (Mac)
DescriptionThe TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a highly versatile file format capable of storing both images and data within a single file, thanks to its tagging system. It supports multiple images and various data types within a single file. This format is widely used in applications for image editing, publishing, page layout, scanning, faxing, word processing, optical character recognition, and more. The TIFF format is ideal for preserving high-quality, high-resolution images and is commonly used in professional settings, such as photography and publishing.
Technical detailsThe TIFF format, also known as the Tagged Image File Format, is a popular choice for handling raster graphics, which are images composed of grids of pixels. It's versatile, supporting a variety of color formats, and employs both lossless and lossy compression methods. Lossless compression, like LZW, maintains the original image quality without losing any data, while lossy compression reduces file size by discarding some data, resulting in a trade-off between file size and image quality. A single TIFF file can hold multiple images, making it excellent for scanned documents or graphic layers. The format offers a wide range of color depths, from 1-bit to 32-bit, and stores comprehensive metadata, including image details and editing history. It supports transparency via alpha channels and allows for the inclusion of ICC profiles for accurate color management. The format has no inherent size limit, making it suitable for high-resolution images. Its tagging system allows for the storage of diverse data types, and it supports high dynamic range (HDR) images. It's often used in geospatial applications to store location data and is the preferred choice for storing high-quality scanned images in professional settings. Despite its broad support, its large file size makes it less web-friendly. The TIFF format is highly valued for its quality and versatility, especially in photography, publishing, and archiving. However, its substantial file size may limit its use in situations where storage or bandwidth is a concern.
MIME type
image/tiff
image/x-tga