TIFF vs. JPG: Do You Need TIFF File Format?

Most customers are perfectly served by our highest-quality JPG scans. TIFF files are larger and cost more to process; they’re useful mainly if you’ll be doing repeated edits and resaves in an image editor like Photoshop.

When TIFF might be worth it

You plan to open, edit, and re-save the same image many times. Each JPG re-save applies compression; over many cycles, color detail can gradually decrease.
You’re doing heavy retouching and want a non-lossy working copy. Save your working file as a TIFF to avoid added compression during editing.

When high-quality JPG is enough

You primarily view, share, or print your images without repeatedly re-saving edits.
You want smaller file sizes for easier storage and faster transfers. A TIFF can be six times (or more) larger than the same JPG.
You care about compatibility. JPG is the most widely supported photo format now and into the future.

Cost and storage considerations

TIFF files take more time to process and much more storage space. That means more disks and longer write times—so choosing TIFF everywhere will increase your project cost.

Pro tip to save money

If you order JPGs from us, you can still open a JPG once and save it as a TIFF before heavy editing in Photoshop. One initial JPG save at our highest quality setting is extremely difficult for anyone to distinguish from an original; converting that JPG to TIFF before you start editing avoids further compression while you work.

Choose Your Scanning Options

Quick answers

Does TIFF have higher resolution than JPG? No. It’s the same scan resolution; TIFF simply saves data without lossy compression.
Will viewing JPGs reduce quality? No. Merely viewing doesn’t change the file. Quality loss only occurs when re-saving after edits.
Do your JPGs show artifacts? We save at the highest quality settings to prevent visible artifacts or pixelation.

Still unsure? Ask us what’s best for your project—we’re happy to help.