TIFF vs JPG vs PNG: Which Format Fits the Job?
Compare TIFF, JPG and PNG for scanning, editing, archiving, printing, sharing and browser compatibility.
Three different jobs
| Consideration | TIFF | JPG | PNG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Scanning, publishing, archival workflows | Photos and sharing | Graphics and screenshots |
| Compression | Can vary by file | Lossy | Lossless |
| Transparency | Workflow dependent | No | Yes |
| Browser support | Limited | Broad | Broad |
| Typical size | Often large | Usually compact for photos | Content dependent |
Choose by destination
- Ask whether TIFF is a formal requirement.
- Keep the TIFF master if it contains important scan or production data.
- Create JPG copies for ordinary photo sharing.
- Create PNG copies for screen graphics, sharp text or transparency.
- Check colour, bit depth, pages, layers and metadata in specialist software before deleting anything.
Why browser conversion is limited
TIFF is a flexible container with many compression methods, colour modes and multi-page possibilities. Browser support is much narrower than JPG or PNG. FreeImageConverter accepts browser-supported TIFF inputs but does not promise every TIFF variant; a specialist desktop workflow is safer for production, archival or multi-page files.
Common mistakes
- Treating every TIFF as the same kind of file.
- Converting a production master before checking bit depth and colour profile.
- Using PNG for a detailed photograph and being surprised by its size.
- Using JPG for text-heavy line art at aggressive quality.
- Assuming browser preview support equals full preservation support.
Frequently asked questions
Can every TIFF be opened in a browser?
No. Browser support is limited and TIFF files vary considerably.
Does TIFF always mean lossless?
No. TIFF can contain different compression schemes and image structures. Inspect the actual file and workflow requirements.