Image format
What is a TIFF file?
TIFF is a flexible, high-fidelity format favored in printing, scanning, and professional photography workflows.
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) was designed to be a container flexible enough for almost any kind of image data — multiple pages, layers, high bit depths, and either lossless compression or none at all. That flexibility is exactly why it became the standard in print production and document scanning, where color accuracy and detail matter more than file size. It's rarely seen on the web, since browsers don't render it natively and its files run large, but it remains the safe choice whenever an image needs to survive a professional print or archival pipeline untouched.
How to open a TIFF file
TIFF files open readily in Windows Photos, macOS Preview. For real editing rather than just viewing, reach for Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Adobe Lightroom.
Most web browsers won't display TIFF directly — convert to JPG or PNG first if you need it to show up on a page.
Strengths & limitations
Good for
- supports lossless compression and very high bit depths
- the de facto standard in print and scanning pipelines
Watch out for
- large files
- poor support in web browsers
Convert TIFF files
Orbfile can convert TIFF both ways, entirely in your browser — pick a direction below:
Frequently asked questions
What does a TIFF file contain?+
TIFF is a flexible, high-fidelity format favored in printing, scanning, and professional photography workflows.
Can I convert TIFF for free?+
Yes — Orbfile's image converter handles TIFF for free, with no file limit, watermark, or account, and it runs entirely in your browser.
Is converting a TIFF file safe and private?+
Yes. Orbfile processes TIFF files locally on your device using WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded to a server, so there's nothing to leak or store.
Who created the TIFF format?+
TIFF was developed by Aldus (now Adobe), first released around 1986.
Browse the full file format guide.