.TIFF File Extension

A TIFF file is a graphics container that stores raster images in the Tagged Image File Format (TIFF). It contains high-quality graphics that support color depths from 1 to 24-bit and supports both lossy and lossless compression. TIFF files also support multiple layers and pages.

The TIFF format was released in the mid-1980s to be a standard image format for saving high-quality color images on multiple computer platforms. Although it was widely adopted, the JPEG format surpassed it over the years because it was more efficient and web-friendly. Now, the TIFF format is typically used to store photos for editing and printing purposes. TIFF files are also commonly seen with the .TIF extension.

Since the TIFF format was widely adopted, there are a large number of programs that support TIFF files. You can use Microsoft Photos in Windows, which comes bundled with the operating system, to open TIFF image. If you are a macOS user, you can use Apple Preview, which comes bundled with the system.

NOTE: The TIFF format was originally developed by Aldus, who merged with Adobe Systems in 1994.