TIFF vs PNG: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
Both are lossless. TIFF is the format of printing and scanning: it handles CMYK, high bit depths and several pages in one file. PNG is the lossless format of screens and the web, smaller and viewable in any browser.
TIFF vs PNG Side by Side
| TIFF | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | TIFF: Tagged Image File Format | PNG: Portable Network Graphics |
| File extension | TIFF: .tiff, .tif | PNG: .png |
| How it stores data | TIFF: Lossless (usually LZW or uncompressed) | PNG: Lossless compression |
| File size | TIFF: large (lossless) | PNG: large (lossless) |
| Created by | TIFF: Aldus (now Adobe), 1986 | PNG: PNG Development Group (W3C), 1996 |
| Best for | TIFF: print production, scans, archiving a master copy | PNG: screenshots, logos, interface graphics, images that need a transparent background |
| Watch out | TIFF: very large files, and browsers do not display it | PNG: photographs come out several times larger than as JPG or WebP |
| Opens with | TIFF: Photoshop, GIMP, Preview, Windows Photos, most scanning and layout software | PNG: every browser, phone, image viewer and editor |
Choose TIFF When
- Files for a print shop or publisher
- Scans and archives
- Multi-page images
Choose PNG When
- Images for the web or for sharing
- Screenshots and interface graphics
- Anything that should open with a double-click on any device
Convert Between TIFF and PNG
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, TIFF or PNG?
Both are lossless. TIFF is the format of printing and scanning: it handles CMYK, high bit depths and several pages in one file. PNG is the lossless format of screens and the web, smaller and viewable in any browser.
When should I use TIFF?
Files for a print shop or publisher. Scans and archives. Multi-page images.
When should I use PNG?
Images for the web or for sharing. Screenshots and interface graphics. Anything that should open with a double-click on any device.
What is TIFF?
TIFF is the working format of printing, scanning and publishing: it keeps full quality, high bit depths and can hold several pages in one file. Print shops and archives ask for it by name.
What is PNG?
PNG stores every pixel exactly, with an optional transparency channel. That makes it the usual choice for screenshots, logos, diagrams and anything with sharp edges or text.
Can I convert between TIFF and PNG?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert TIFF to PNG, or Convert PNG to TIFF with the converter linked on this page.