Compare
PSD vs TIFF
PSD is a Photoshop working format that can retain layers and masks; TIFF is commonly used in print, scanning, and image exchange and can use different compression and color settings. Choose for the required workflow.
Which format should you choose?
Keep PSD when Photoshop editing data matters; use TIFF when a production or handoff workflow requests it, and verify the required color and compression settings.
Good fit for PSD
Image editing master
- Handing off a layered design that another editor will revise
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 | PSD | TIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .psd | .tif, .tiff |
| MIME type | image/vnd.adobe.photoshop | image/tiff |
| Common uses | Image editing master | Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images |
| How to open | Open in Photoshop or a PSD-capable editor and verify important effects in the target software. | 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 | Export JPEG or PNG for viewing, then inspect appearance and keep the source PSD. | 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
Handing off a layered design that another editor will revise
Image editing master
PSDHigh-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
PSD can preserve layers, masks, and editable text.
More on the differencesKey point 2
TIFF is an image format with configurable compression and color data.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Preserve the editable source and export a separate handoff copy. Confirm color profile, bit depth, compression, layers, and compatibility with the receiving application.
- PSD is intended for continued editing in Photoshop-compatible tools.
- TIFF is often used for print, scanning, and image interchange.
- Neither automatically replaces a web-ready export.
Frequently asked questions
Is TIFF a replacement for a layered PSD?
Only if the workflow and TIFF options preserve the required layers. Keep PSD as the source when future Photoshop edits matter.