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JPEG vs TIFF
JPEG is widely used to deliver photos efficiently, while TIFF is common in scanning, print, and image-production workflows. Choose by the delivery or production task, and check TIFF's compression and color settings.
Which format should you choose?
Choose JPEG for web and general photo sharing when size and compatibility matter. Consider TIFF for print, scanning, or production handoffs that need high-quality image data and workflow settings.
Good fit for JPEG
Photographs · Web images
- Photographs intended for compact sharing
- Images with many colors
Good fit for TIFF
Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images
- High-quality editing and print workflows
- Scans stored with known settings
Basic information
| Field | JPEG | TIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .jpg, .jpeg | .tif, .tiff |
| MIME type | image/jpeg | image/tiff |
| Common uses | Photographs · Web images | Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images |
| How to open | Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open JPEG files. | Open TIFF in an image editor, scanner application, or TIFF-capable viewer. Check compression, color space, and page count when it does not open as expected. |
| Export or convert | Exporting JPEG to PNG or WebP cannot restore data already removed by JPEG compression. Keep an original editing file, and use a proper export command rather than changing only the filename extension. | For web sharing, export a copy to JPEG, PNG, or WebP. Before conversion, check bit depth, transparency, multiple pages, color management, and any loss from compression. |
Choose by use case
Photographs intended for compact sharing
Photographs · Web images
JPEGImages with many colors
Photographs · Web images
JPEGHigh-quality editing and print workflows
Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images
TIFFScans stored with known settings
Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images
TIFFKey point 1
JPEG uses lossy compression and is broadly supported for photo delivery.
More on the differencesKey point 2
TIFF can use different compression and color settings; inspect the actual file rather than assuming one fixed behavior.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Use JPEG for ordinary viewing and sharing. Use TIFF when a print, scan, or production workflow calls for it, and confirm compression, color profile, bit depth, and page structure with the recipient.
- Repeated JPEG saves may introduce additional quality loss; keep an editing master separately.
- TIFF is a raster image format used in production workflows, but its size and losslessness depend on its settings.
- Prioritize broad viewing compatibility or the requirements of a controlled production handoff.
Frequently asked questions
Is TIFF always higher quality than JPEG?
Not automatically. TIFF can store image data with different compression and color settings. Check how the file was created; JPEG uses lossy compression.