Compare
TIFF vs PNG
TIFF is used in print, scanning, and production workflows with configurable compression and color settings. PNG is convenient for general graphics and transparent web images. Neither extension alone determines quality or size.
Which format should you choose?
Use TIFF when a print or scanning workflow specifies its compression, color space, or page structure; use PNG for web or screen graphics and transparency.
Good fit for TIFF
Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images
- High-quality editing and print workflows
- Scans stored with known settings
Good fit for PNG
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
- Images requiring transparency
- Text and line art
Basic information
| Field | TIFF | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .tif, .tiff | .png |
| MIME type | image/tiff | image/png |
| Common uses | Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images | UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images |
| How to open | 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. | Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open PNG files. |
| Export or convert | 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. | Export PNG to JPEG only when transparency and lossless quality are no longer needed. Keep the original PNG for editing, and use a proper export command rather than changing the filename extension. |
Choose by use case
High-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
TIFFImages requiring transparency
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGText and line art
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGKey point 1
TIFF can use different compression, color, and page configurations.
More on the differencesKey point 2
PNG supports lossless compression and transparency for common graphics.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
For TIFF handoff, match the recipient’s requirements for compression, color space, and pages. For PNG export, verify bit depth and color management and retain the TIFF when it is required for production.
- TIFF can be uncompressed, losslessly compressed, or use other supported methods.
- PNG is convenient for single-image graphics, logos, and screenshots.
- Conversion may change color depth, profiles, or multipage structure.
Frequently asked questions
Will a PNG keep all print information from TIFF?
Not necessarily. Color management, bit depth, and multipage requirements may differ; keep the TIFF for workflows that require those details.
Is PNG better than TIFF for printing?
Not universally. Follow the print provider's requirements; check color profile, bit depth, resolution, and whether TIFF or PNG is supported.