What you'll learn:

What is a TIFF file?

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is one of the commonly used bitmap formats in graphic image processing, known for its complex structure. The data format adopts a three-tier architecture. The internal structure of a TIFF can be divided into three sections: the file header area, the tag information area, and the image data area. All the tags are arranged in ascending order, and the tag information is used to handle the image data within the file.

What is a TIFF file

Features of TIFF files:

    • TIFF can describe many different kinds of images.
    • TIFF offers a range of optional compression schemes.
    • TIFF is not tied to any particular hardware.
    • TIFF is a portable file format.

What is a TIFF file used for?

Because TIFF files store image data in a flexible manner, support multiple color spaces, and are operating-system neutral, the format is widely used. Many image manipulation applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, The GIMP (created by The GIMP Team), Ulead PhotoImpact, and Paint Shop Pro, support the TIFF format.

Moreover, desktop publishing and page-layout applications like QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign, as well as scanning, faxing, and word-processing programs, support TIFF.

How to Open a TIFF File with Windows Photo Viewer & Photoshop

Do you need to open a TIFF file? It's easy to do with most image viewers and image editing software, including programs that come bundled with the latest versions of Windows or Mac operating systems.

1. Open TIFF Files with Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10

Step 1: Right-click on a TIFF image and select "Open With."

Step 2. Select “Windows Photo Viewer” from the drop-down menu.

Open TIFF file with Windows Photo Viewer

Step 3: If you can't find "Windows Photo Viewer," go to C:/Program Files/Windows Photo Viewer and select "photoviewer.dll." Click "Open" and "OK."

Open TIFF file

2. Open the TIFF file using Adobe Photoshop.

Step 1: Launch Adobe Photoshop CS6 or any other version, and click on "File" > "Open."

Open TIFF in Photoshop

Step 2. Navigate to your computer and find the .tiff file. Click “Open” to display it in PS.

Open TIFF file in Photoshop

How to Recover Deleted/Lost TIFF Files on Windows 10 and Mac

TIFF files are so common that you're bound to lose some at one point or another. A TIFF file can get lost due to accidental deletion, formatting of the hard drive or USB flash drive, or a system crash.

Regardless of the reason behind the loss of your TIFF files, you can always get them back with the help of a professional TIFF file recovery software. The Data Recovery Wizard tool lets you recover deleted or permanently deleted files with just a few simple clicks.

More on Popular Topics Related to TIFF Files

Many users are also interested in the following information about TIFF files. If you have similar questions, take a look.

JPEG and TIFF are both image file formats, but they differ primarily in the following aspects: 1. Compression method: JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) uses lossy compression. It discards some image data during saving to reduce file size, which can lead to decreased image quality, especially after multiple edits and saves. In contrast, TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) can be either lossless or uncompressed, meaning image data remains unchanged during storage, preserving the original quality. 2. File size: Due to its lossy compression, JPEG files are typically smaller, making them suitable for web transmission and storage. TIFF files are usually larger, especially uncompressed TIFFs, as they retain all original image details. 3. Purpose: JPEG is commonly used for web pages and scenarios where smaller file sizes are needed. It supports transparency but is generally not preferred for professional graphic work because it doesn't handle high-fidelity images well. TIFF is more appropriate for professional photography, printing, and graphic design due to its higher quality and options like multi-layer support and various color modes. 4. Compatibility: Almost all image viewers and editors support JPEG, as it is a widely adopted standard format. In contrast, TIFF might not be supported on certain devices or software, particularly on mobile devices. 5. Editing capabilities: Because TIFF retains the original data and supports lossless editing, it's better suited for images that require multiple edits. JPEG can experience quality degradation with repeated saves. In summary, JPEG is ideal for everyday use and sharing online, while TIFF is more appropriate for situations requiring high-quality and professional-level image processing.

The difference between TIFF and JPEG formats is that:

Different compression methods

TIFF files can be saved with lossless LZW compression or uncompressed. The advantage of this is that all image detail is preserved, but the downside is that TIFF files can be very large – a high-resolution photo might be 10MB or more.

JPEG uses a lossy compression format. The advantage is that it can achieve a high compression rate, but the downside is that some detail is lost in the image when it's saved as a JPEG.


Occupy Different Spaces

JPEG has a very high compression rate, losing some details in the image during storage, hence taking up much less space. On the other hand, TIFF saves all the details in an image, thus occupying more space.

Image files are used in a variety of contexts.

If the image will be printed, save it as a TIFF; for general storage or communication online, JPEG is usually sufficient.

Which is better, JPEG or TIFF?

Both formats have their pros and cons. You can review the differences between them detailed above and choose the file format based on your actual needs.

How to convert TIFF files?

If you want to convert your TIFF file to JPEG, PNG, PDF, or another file format, search for a free online TIFF converter. You'll find many results for TIFF file converters.

However, when opting for an online TIFF converter, you should be cautious about cybersecurity and data privacy issues.

Conclusion

This page covers all essential information about TIFF files. Now you should know what a TIFF file is, what it's used for, and how to open it.

Moreover, we've shown you how to recover deleted or lost TIFF files on Windows and Mac using a data recovery software. It's a tool proficient in data recovery and effectively repairs corrupted files, such as fixing corrupted JPEG photos.