The image format you choose matters — a lot. It affects image quality, file size, and how easily you can share the image. That’s why photographers, designers, and web developers must choose carefully.
This article provides a detailed comparison of two popular image formats: TIFF and JPEG. We’ll dig into the differences, pros, and cons of each to help you make the right choice for your needs.
We’ll be looking at image quality, file size, compression methods, and how you plan to use the image. Read on to find out whether a TIFF file vs JPEG is the better choice for you.
TIFF vs. JPEG: Basic differences
TIFF and JPEG images are built on different technologies and are best suited for different purposes.
Core technology
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a flexible format for storing raster images. Because it’s tag-based, it can store lots of metadata (data about data) along with the image itself. You can save an image as a TIFF file with or without compression, which means you don’t have to lose any of the original image data.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is designed for photographic images. It uses lossy compression, which means some of the image data is sacrificed to create a smaller file that’s easier to store and faster to load. It supports up to 24-bit color and is widely compatible.
Intended use
TIFFs are best if you plan to edit an image, print it at high quality, or archive it for future use. It’s compatible with image processing software and commonly used in publishing, photography, and graphic design. You can even save layers in Photoshop as a TIFF file.
JPEGs are ideal for online use, web apps, and sharing finalized images. Because they’re small, they’re great for websites and email attachments. And because virtually every platform and application supports JPEG images, you can be sure that just about anyone can view the image you send.
File Size and Compression
When you’re deciding between TIFF and JPEG, the file size is a major factor to consider.
File Size Comparison
TIFF files are almost always much larger than JPEGs. That’s because the TIFF format is designed for lossless or uncompressed storage.
To give you an idea of how dramatic the difference can be, a 4500 x 3000 pixel image might save as an 82.3 MB file in TIFF format, but it would only be 7.6 MB as a JPEG.
The JPEG format creates much smaller files by using lossy compression, which makes it a better choice for online storage and transmission.
Compression Methods
TIFF files can be compressed in lossless formats, such as LZW or Zip, or they can be saved without any compression at all. LZW and Zip compression will reduce the file size without affecting the image quality.
If you’re saving an 8-bit TIFF, LZW or Zip compression is a good choice. For 16-bit TIFFs, Zip is usually preferred.
JPEG files use lossy compression, which means some image data is discarded in order to reduce the file size. This can degrade the image quality, especially if you repeatedly save and edit the file.
Image Quality and Artifacts
TIFF files save original image data, meaning they maintain the highest possible quality. If you plan to edit images a lot or print them in high resolution, TIFF is the way to go.
JPEG compression, however, can cause “artifacts” like pixelation or color banding. Saving and compressing JPEGs again and again makes these artifacts worse. Resizing JPEGs a bunch of times can also make the image look terrible. Keep in mind that you can lose image quality when you use JPEGs.
TIFF vs. JPEG: When to Use Which
Each file type has its ideal usage scenarios. Here’s a quick guide.
When to use TIFF
- Editing and retouching. Start with a TIFF if you plan to edit or retouch the image. The lossless format will protect your image data.
- High-quality printing. TIFF is the preferred format for professional printing because it protects fine details and color accuracy.
- Archiving. If you want to store important images for a long time, TIFF is the best choice. The lossless format means your images will retain their original quality for years to come.
When to use JPEG
- Web use. JPEGs are great for the web because they’re small and load quickly, which improves website performance and the user experience.
- Email and social media. JPEGs make it easy to share images because the file sizes are easy to send and upload.
- Finalized images. If you’re not planning to edit an image any further, JPEG is a good choice.
Transparency and Compatibility
TIFF files support transparency. This means you can create images with see-through backgrounds, which is great for logos or graphics on websites.
JPEGs, on the other hand, don’t support transparency. While JPEG 2000 once allowed it, the format never really took off.
However, JPEGs win when it comes to compatibility. You can open a JPEG on pretty much any device or web app. TIFFs sometimes have issues with older software or specific printers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you use TIFF format?
TIFF is your go-to when you need the highest possible image quality and flexibility, especially for professional photography, archival purposes, or print production. It’s also great for storing images with multiple layers or when you anticipate needing to edit the image extensively in the future. Think of it as the “master” copy of your image.
Do you lose quality converting TIFF to JPG?
Yes, you will almost certainly lose some quality when converting a TIFF to a JPG. JPG is a lossy compression format, meaning some image data is discarded to reduce file size. How much quality you lose depends on the compression level you choose when saving as a JPG. Higher compression equals smaller file size but more noticeable quality loss. If quality is paramount, stick with TIFF.
Can I convert a TIFF file to JPEG?
Absolutely! Converting a TIFF to JPEG is a straightforward process. Many image editing programs, like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and even online converters, can handle this conversion. Just open the TIFF file in your chosen program and select “Save As” or “Export” and choose JPEG as the file format. Remember to consider the compression settings to balance file size and image quality.
In Closing
TIFF files give you lossless quality and larger file sizes, while JPEGs give you smaller file sizes through lossy compression. So, when should you use each one?
The right answer depends on your needs and priorities. Think about how you’ll use the image, how important the quality is, and whether you have file size limits.
If you want to edit an image or print it at the highest quality, TIFF is the way to go. But if you’re posting images online or using them in a web application, JPEGs will probably work best for you.