Open TIF files
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Full nameAldus Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) Bitmap Image
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DeveloperN/A
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Popularity
What is TIF file?
TIFF is a file format for storing image information. The Tagged Image File (Format) is particularly suitable for high quality images due to its many possibilities. TIFF supports layers, multi-image files, various types of compression, and multiple color spaces. In addition, TIF files can also be provided with embedded IPTC meta tags containing, for example, copyright notation, the author or keywords.
More info
TIF files can be saved uncompressed or compressed with LZW lossless. In addition to other compression methods such as Deflate (but is not included in the standard), which is also used in the graphics format PNG, TIFF also supports the use as a container for JPEG. Such stored images are of course lossy just like JPEG.
With the "Fax Group 4" compression TIF files are also suitable for monochrome images and is therefore also gladly used for fax programs.
With the support of the CMYK color space, TIFF is particularly suitable for the
Data exchange in prepress and in publishers. Another professional
Application is the GeoTiff which often has the file extension TIF. For example, information about coordinates and the projection in map images or
Embedded aerial views.
Among the drawbacks of the TIFF format in addition to the sometimes enormous file size is especially the diversity, since most applications support only the standard functions. For example, LZW compression is not supported by every program.
Even ad programs often fail. But since TIFF is quite old, standard TIF files can be viewed from almost any graphics program or image viewer
Programs which can open a TIF file
Windows
Linux
TIF files can be saved uncompressed or compressed with LZW lossless. In addition to other compression methods such as Deflate (but is not included in the standard), which is also used in the graphics format PNG, TIFF also supports the use as a container for JPEG. Such stored images are of course lossy just like JPEG.
With the "Fax Group 4" compression TIF files are also suitable for monochrome images and is therefore also gladly used for fax programs.
With the support of the CMYK color space, TIFF is particularly suitable for the
Data exchange in prepress and in publishers. Another professional
Application is the GeoTiff which often has the file extension TIF. For example, information about coordinates and the projection in map images or
Embedded aerial views.
Among the drawbacks of the TIFF format in addition to the sometimes enormous file size is especially the diversity, since most applications support only the standard functions. For example, LZW compression is not supported by every program.
Even ad programs often fail. But since TIFF is quite old, standard TIF files can be viewed from almost any graphics program or image viewer
Programs which can open a TIF file
Windows
Linux
How to open file with TIF extension?
Install Apple Preview or other program from the list
Most often resolving problems with opening TIF files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support TIF files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of TIF files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
Set Apple Preview as the default program for opening TIF files
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate TIF files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Apple Preview applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Apple Preview has been installed.
Check the section that lists most common problems with TIF files
Sometimes problems with opening TIF files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:
- File data is corrupted
- TIF files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
- Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open TIF files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
- TIF file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)