What Are TIF and TIFF Files?
A file with the TIF or TIFF file extension is a tagged image file.
This jot down of file is used for high-quality raster jot down graphics.
Tim Fisher
The format supportslossless compression, in which no image data is lost during the compression process.
TIFF and TIF can be used interchangeably.
TIFF is an acronym for tagged image file format.
GeoTIFF image files also use the TIF file extension.
These are images that store GPS coordinates asmetadatawith the file, using the extensible features of the TIFF format.
Some scanning, faxing, andoptical character recognition (OCR)applications also utilize TIF files.
Tim Fisher
These apps don’t provide a means foreditingthem, though.
On a Mac, the Preview app can open TIF files.
Popular apps include GraphicConverter,ACDSee,ColorStrokes, andXnView.
You’ll get an editor and converter in one tool.
In some cases,free online document converterscan handle TIF file conversions, too.
GeoTIFF images can generally be converted in the same way as a regular TIF/TIFF file.
If converting a GeoTIFF image file, the GPS metadata may be lost in the process.
Still Can’t Open It?
Lots of files share some of the same file extension letters even though the formats have nothing in common.
FIT is another you might confuse for a TIF file.
Adobe now owns the copyright to the TIF format.
