What is A TIFF File: Discover How to Open It Easily

What’s a TIFF? Hello! I just came from a work outing, and the company hired a professional photographer to document the event’s program during our first night. So, when the pictures were sent to us, they were in TIFF format, and I don’t get why I can’t open them on the specific media viewer I installed on my computer. Is it not a common format? Please help me out. Thanks!

When discussing image files, you might be used to JPG or other universal formats that regular pictures are often saved as. Hence, it’s no wonder you are unfamiliar with TIFF, which is mainly designed for professional purposes. The question is, why and how do you professionally use TIFF files? You can determine the answer by exploring and understanding the parts below.

Yes, you read that right. The information and further details you need are presented in the next parts to help you grasp how the TIFF format functions and what benefits it can give in various situations. Afterward, you can depend on the processes in the later parts to open your TIFF files correctly. You must also not worry about difficulty, as the details have already been simplified.

Part 1. What is TIFF

The first question you must have initially wondered is, what does TIFF stand for? The simple answer is Tagged Image File Format, also known as TIF. As mentioned, it is frequently used for professional purposes because it offers a high-quality output, making it perfect for important situations. Besides, it supports lossless compression, so you can expect not to lose image data and maintain its original quality. Meanwhile, it is saved in the .tif extension.

On the other hand, the TIFF format is mostly used in photography, graphic designing, and other related fields requiring a quality image format. You will also find its compatibility advantageous because although it’s not as universal as the different formats like JPG, TIFF is still supported by many devices, media viewers, and programs. So you won’t encounter many limitations or issues when navigating it on a computer or mobile device.

However, you can never be sure since some still don’t support the format. If you are among those people who can’t access their TIFF images, kindly see the next part.

Part 2. How to Open TIFF Files

Below are some official and strategic methods to open a TIFF file effectively. Explore them, and we guarantee you will successfully view the images using the proper and simplified steps.

Option 1. Use FoneLab Video Converter Ultimate (Mac & Windows)

The most strategic way to view your TIFF images is to convert them to a generally supported format, like JPG or PNG. Thus, let this FoneLab Video Converter Ultimate program’s Image Converter feature help you do so without difficulty. When you import your TIFF file into this tool’s interface, you can immediately save it as a JPG, PNG, BMP, etc., depending on your chosen format. Any complex navigation isn’t needed, especially with its interface’s user-oriented design.

On the other hand, Image Converter doesn’t simply convert your pictures. It also lets you modify their zoom and quality level to make the output more suitable to your taste. Other than that, you must not miss the other features afterward, as this program is also in demand for its beneficial media functions. It includes a Media Metadata Editor, which allows you to alter the file’s details to give it a more professional vibe. Moreover, compressors, a GIF maker, etc., are available.

Appreciate the easy process underneath as a sample to convert and open your TIFF files using FoneLab Video Converter Ultimate:

Step 1First, select Free Download after seeing the button on FoneLab Video Converter Ultimate’s webpage. It will let your computer acquire the file, which will automatically be kept in the Downloads. Shortly, initialize the installation by opening it. The status bar at the bottom will help you monitor the process, and when it is done, the Start tab will be provided, so click it.

Step 2The prime interface will immediately emerge on your desktop screen, but you don’t need to use any features yet. Navigate first to the program’s Toolbox to view the necessary feature, Image Converter, along with the others. Click its box and select Plus on the next window to open your shortcut folder. Then, pick to import your TIFF file.

Step 3After importing, the TIFF image will appear as a list on the next interface. Hence, proceed by hitting Convert All to on the uppermost right section and choosing your preferred image format, such as JPG, PNG, etc. Once contented, go for the Convert All button.

Option 2. On Windows Photos (Windows)

Meanwhile, you may have installed a media viewer from another platform and tried to view the TIFF file using it, which caused you to fail to open the image. If so, please know that Windows Photos, the computer’s built-in image viewer, supports the TIFF format. Hence, if you haven’t tried viewing the file with it yet, this is the time to do so. This way, you no longer have to install another program since you’re only a few clicks away from opening it with Windows Photos.

Go along with the unexacting operation below to open the TIFF images on Windows Photos:

Step 1Launch your computer’s File Explorer, then explore the folders to see your TIFF file.

Step 2Once located, right-click it and select Open with from the pop-up options. When the further menu appears, click Photos to view the TIFF image successfully.

The Photos program can only be navigated on Windows, as its name suggests. Thus, it’s unsurprising that you cannot get or use it on computers running another operating system. In this case, proceed to the next section if your computer runs macOS, regardless of the version.

Option 3. On Apple Preview (Mac)

Apple Preview is the Windows Photos equivalent on Mac computers. Like the previous one, Preview is built-in, allowing you to view your TIFF file without installation. Its process is similar to how you view images on Photos, so expect no complex steps when you’re ready to open the TIFF photos on the Preview utility’s interface. Besides, it also supports many other formats.

Act under the painless navigation below to open your TIFF photos on Apple Preview:

Step 1Open and view your Mac’s Finder utility, then browse its folders or content until your TIFF image is shown on the screen.

Step 2Next, right-click the file and tick Open With from the appearing menu. Right after, select Preview when the available programs appear to open the TIFF file on Preview.

Part 3. FAQs about What is TIFF

TIFF files have various attributes that may or may not align with your purpose. Hence, the details above will greatly boost your understanding of the format.