In this digital asset management guide we provide step-by-step instructions for how to tell the difference between JPG and TIFF files, and how to convert a JPG file to TIFF. We also review the benefits of using TIFF files over JPGs and how to store and manage those files.
What Makes JPG and TIFF File Formats Different?
You’ve been saving your image files as JPG or PNG for years, but now you’re receiving file extensions called TIFF from clients and partners. What’s the difference between these two image formats? Let’s break it down.
What Is a JPG?
A JPG is a compressed image format. A standard JPG file takes up less space on your hard drive than the original file, but the compression can reduce the image quality. JPGs are best for digital photography and images displayed on your web browser because they load quickly.
What Is a TIFF?
A TIFF, or Tagged Image File Format, is an uncompressed image format. TIFF files will take up more space on your hard drive than the original file, but the image doesn’t lose any quality when it’s saved.
What Are the Benefits of Using TIFF Over JPG?
When it comes to quality photos and digital images, TIFF is the clear winner for several reasons.
1. TIFF Files Offer Higher Quality Images
The number one reason to utilize TIFF files over Jpg files is the quality of the image. Unlike JPG files, there is no loss in image quality when each time the converted TIFF file is opened and saved again. That makes TIFF files a great format for archiving high-quality images that you want to keep for an extended period of time, like brand logos and marketing campaign materials.
Digital asset management software, like OpenAsset, is the best tool for managing all of your digital assets, including converted files in TIFF format. With DAM, you have the ability to easily store, find, share and collaborate on different file types – no matter the size or format.
That’s a big deal, because TIFF files are large, and take up a lot of space on your server. If you don’t want to run out of space on your server, then a DAM solution’s efficient storage size and retrieval features are essential.
2. TIFF Files Can Be Edited
Another significant benefit of using TIFF over JPG files is that you can edit TIFF files with no loss to quality. That enables Your AEC marketing and sales team with several applications:
- Sales Collateral – convert JPGs of product photos into TIFFs for use in presentations, proposals, and other sales materials.
- Branded Assets – convert your company’s logo from JPG to TIFF so that it can be used on any print or digital marketing collateral.
- Web Graphics – convert website banner ads or other web graphics from JPG format to TIFF for lossless compression.
It’s important to note that the method of lossless compression is used by JPG files to further reduce file size, and as a result, image quality. The process is irreversible, meaning that the original image data can never be recovered once it has been compressed.
3. TIFF Files utilise Lossless Compression
TIFF files, on the other hand, store images using lossless compression. With this process, there is no deterioration in quality each time the file extension is edited and saved and this is a major benefit of using TIFF over JPG.
How to Convert a File Format from JPG to TIFF
There are many ways to convert a JPG file to TIFF. Here we show how to convert a JPG image using a variety of tools depending on your operating system or software applications.
Step #1: Select the File You Want to Convert
Select the image file you wish to convert by simply opening the file in your preferred software application or selecting it from a list of files on your computer.
Step #2: Choose Output Settings
After you’ve selected the input file, you’ll need to specify the output settings. This includes choosing TIFF as your output file format and setting any other desired options such as printing resolution or compression.
Step #3: Convert the File
Click on the convert button or select “File > Export” from the main menu to convert your JPG file to TIFF. That’s it! In just a few simple steps, you can convert JPG to TIFF and improve your digital image workflow.
Special considerations for OS and PC users
- If you use a Windows PC computer, we recommend downloading GIMP, a free and open-source image editor that makes file conversion fast and easy.
- For Mac users, Preview is a great built-in option for converting JPG to TIFF. Simply open your JPG file in Preview and select “File > Export.” This user guide to Preview from Apple is a useful resource.
- If you need more control over your file conversion, or want to convert batch files at once, the we suggest a professional file converter like Adobe Photoshop.
Image File Conversion Software Resources
- Convertio.co is a free online TIFF converter for graphic artists that supports over 300+ different file formats including PDF, raster graphics, PNG, JPG, and TIFF.
- Zamzar is another TIFF conversion program that offers a desktop app for Google Chrome as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- Convertimage.net is an online tool that can convert images between different formats including PDF, text files, JPG, and TIFF. It works well on mobile devices and desktop publishing programs.
What is the Best Way to Convert a JPG File to a TIFF File
Digital Asset Management is the most effective way to organize and keep track of all your digital files. At OpenAsset, we recognize the value of your digital assets. That’s why our storage solution supports TIFF files, so you can easily keep track of every image in your collection. With our OpenAsset, you have the ability to view, organize, edit, and share your images easily, while keeping them secure within your DAM.
Would you like to learn more about OpenAsset, the only project-based digital asset management system designed specifically for AEC marketers and the Built World? Request a demo today.
