TIFF File Extension

What is TIFF file?

Files with TIFF extensions are type of graphics file format.

Contents of TIFF files

TIFF files are used for saving raster graphics data, including:

• bit depth (1- to 24-bit),
• color profiles,
• comments

Data in TIFF can be save in lossy or lossless format. The standard also support layers and multi-page documents. This advanced format is usually used for strong high-definition image data.

What are TIFF files used for?

TIFF standard was developed in 1980s to introduce a standardized format for storing images captured with digital scanners. What this meant is that it had to be compatible with many devices available on the market. Because of that, today files with TIFF extension can be edited on many hardware and software platforms. TIFF format is commonly used for saving polygraphy images (DTP). TIFF files are also used for in scanning, fax, optical character recognition and for other text processing uses. As TIFF offers lossless compression, this format is popular among photographers and graphic artists.

Programs which support TIFF file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support TIFF files. Files with TIFF extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 10/31/2023

How to open file with TIFF extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening TIFF files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Tagged Image Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with TIFF files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Windows Photos

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening TIFF files is that no program that can handle TIFF files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Windows Photos or one of the recommended programs (for example, CorelDRAW, Adobe Photoshop, Windows Photo Viewer) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft Windows Photos installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Windows Photos to the latest version

If the problems with opening TIFF files still occur even after installing Microsoft Windows Photos, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Windows Photos is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Windows Photos installed, it may not support TIFF format. The latest version of Microsoft Windows Photos should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open TIFF files to Microsoft Windows Photos

After installing Microsoft Windows Photos (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open TIFF files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the TIFF file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Windows Photos is installed, check the Always use this app to open TIFF files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the TIFF file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft Windows Photos and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with TIFF extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the TIFF for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the TIFF file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The TIFF may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the TIFF file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the TIFF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with TIFF extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the TIFF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the TIFF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Windows Photos

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support TIFF files. Close all running programs and try opening the TIFF file.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Tagged Image Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with TIFF files affecting older versions of given software.

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