TIFF vs PNG: which format should you use?
TIFF and PNG are both lossless image formats — every pixel of the source is preserved. Where they differ is in their design intent. TIFF was built for the print and pre-press world, so it handles multi-page documents, wide colour gamuts, and layered files. PNG was built for the web, so it optimises for smaller files at the cost of TIFF's pro-photography features.
Head-to-head comparison
| Aspect | TIFF | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless (multiple algorithms) | Lossless (DEFLATE) |
| Typical file size | Very large | Large but smaller than TIFF |
| Colour depth | 8, 16, or 32-bit per channel | 8 or 16-bit per channel |
| CMYK / print colour | Yes | No (RGB only) |
| Multi-page support | Yes (like a PDF) | No |
| Transparency (alpha) | Yes | Yes |
| Browser support | No — download-only | Universal |
| Best for | Print, scans, archival | Web, screenshots, logos |
When to use each
Use TIFF when
- You're preparing images for print or a colour-managed workflow
- You need CMYK colour or 16-bit-per-channel precision
- You want a single file containing multiple pages of scans
- You're archiving high-resolution scans of documents
Use PNG when
- The image is for the web, an app, or a screen
- You need to embed it in HTML, Markdown, or a webpage
- You want smaller files than TIFF at the same lossless quality
- The recipient will open it in a browser or CMS
The verdict
TIFF is the working format of print, scanning, and archival. PNG is the working format of the web. If your final destination is a piece of paper or a professional archive, use TIFF. If it's a screen — a website, a slide, a chat message — use PNG.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my TIFF file open in a web browser?
Browsers deliberately don't implement TIFF support — the format has too many optional features (multi-page, CMYK, 32-bit float, layered) that would bloat the browser without user demand. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all decline to render TIFF. Convert to PNG for anything that needs to display in a browser or CMS.
Is TIFF really larger than PNG for the same image?
By default, yes — often 3-10× larger because TIFF often ships uncompressed by default. TIFF supports LZW and ZIP compression too, and a compressed TIFF is closer to PNG in size. But most TIFF workflows (scanning, print prep) leave the file uncompressed for maximum quality preservation and speed.
Can I edit a TIFF like a Photoshop layered file?
Sort of. TIFF supports multiple images inside one file (used for scanned multi-page documents) and Photoshop can save layered TIFFs with alpha channels. But TIFF layers don't include Photoshop-specific features like adjustment layers or blend modes — for real layered editing, PSD is the correct format.
Which format do professional scanners produce?
TIFF by default — it's the archival standard for scanning workflows. Scanned documents, book pages, negatives, and slides typically save as multi-page TIFF or per-page TIFFs. Some consumer scanners save as PDF or JPG; for archival scanning, override to TIFF and specify no compression or LZW.
Does TIFF preserve print colour better than PNG?
Yes. TIFF supports CMYK colour space and embedded ICC profiles for colour management. PNG is RGB-only and lacks full profile support. If you're preparing images for a professional print house, TIFF with a CMYK profile matching the printer's colour space is standard practice.
Should I convert my scans from TIFF to PNG to save space?
Only if the scans are for web display, not archival. TIFF preserves everything the scanner captured; PNG preserves everything on 8-bit RGB screens. If the scan is 16-bit or CMYK, converting to PNG loses information. For an archive you might one day print or edit, keep as TIFF.
Last reviewed: Sept. 12, 2026