Usually, yes. Most TIFF files use lossless compression or store raw pixels, though a TIFF can also wrap JPEG data. Check the file or the exporting program to be sure.

Why are TIFF files so big?

They favor fidelity over size. Full-resolution pixels, high color depth, and lossless compression leave little room for reduction, so files are often much larger than JPEG versions of the same picture.

Should I convert TIFF before uploading?

Yes, for most online forms. Convert a working copy to JPEG for photographs or PNG for line art so the file stays within common size and format limits.

TIFF Images: What They Are and Who Uses Them

TIFF: TIFF is a flexible container format for high-quality images that supports lossless storage, high color depth, layers, and multiple pages, and is widely used in scanning and print work.

What TIFF stores

TIFF is a container rather than a single compression scheme. A file can hold lossless compressed pixels, raw pixel data, or even JPEG data inside it, along with metadata describing how it should be displayed.

It also supports high bit depths, multiple color channels, layers for editing, and a sequence of pages in one file. Print workflows rely on these options to keep color accurate through production.

Who uses TIFF files

Flatbed scanners often output TIFF so the capture stays free of compression artifacts. Photographers use it for masters, while publishers and medical or legal archives keep TIFF because it is stable and well documented.

The files are typically large. A single scanned page can run to several megabytes, which is acceptable for storage on a workstation and impractical for email or web upload.

Archive masters for photographs and artwork
Output from document and photo scanners
Prepress files that carry layers and color profiles
Situations where compression artifacts are unacceptable

TIFF support in Filekind

Filekind does not convert TIFF today. The converter handles JPEG, PNG, and static WebP, so a TIFF must be exported to one of those formats in desktop or scanner software first.

For supported formats, conversion and compression run in the browser without any upload, within the limits of 25 MB, 16,000 pixels per side, and 48 megapixels per image.

What TIFF stores

Who uses TIFF files

TIFF support in Filekind

Frequently asked questions

Related terms and tools