Tiff means Tagged Image File Format, and is the most highly used type of image format, for example, any image editing programme can import a TIFF, and it does not lose information when it is compressed such as a JPEG does.
A JPEG means Joint Photographic Experts Group. Though this type of image format is really good to use on the internet because it downloads quickly, the problem with it is that it loses information from the image due to it’s compression, including the layers of the image.
PSD means Photo Shop Document so you can tell from it’s name that this type of image will only open in Photoshop!, and that is what it’s problem is. So if you send your PSD to someone who doesn’t have this programme, then they will not see your image! Until TIFF came along, PSD used to be the main type of programme used for images.
TIFFs are probably the best, used by all people involved with design such as photography or art. TIFF is really flexible file format for handling images and data within a single file. It’s ability to store image in a lossless format makes it the most useful image archive because unlike standard JPEG files, the TIFF can be edited and resaved without losing image quality. It also saves the layers of the images as well as the quality of the images.
If a TIFF image needs to be compressed, the user has the option of using LZW, which allows the compression of the image without losing information.
The main image that has been compressed in standard size of TIFFs used is 24-bit RGB, or 32-bitCMYK which is the colour format used by magazines. CMYK is short for Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black and this is the colour model used in printing and full colour documents.
RGB is for Red-Green-Blue and is the colour model used on the internet. It is difficult to convert RGB into CMYK on the computer, which is why TIFF is very important as it saves this vital information too.
Quick Review of TIFF
- Most highly used
- Most word processing, design, image-editing programme can import a TIFF
- Works especially well for images
- Can save layers from a Photoshop image
- Offers a choice of compression when saving, choose LZW, a lossless option to ensure you do not damage your image
Quick Review of JPEG
- Uses lossy compression
- Offers settings of higher or lower compression
- Compresses file to make it very small
- Ideal for sending images over internet and posting on websites
- Will not save 16 bit images or layers
Quick Review of PSD
A Photoshop file
Works in the same way as a TIFF – however you would need to have Photoshop to open the file – therefore it is not advisable
Was used more before TIFFs could save layers.

Make sure to press LZW
If you don’t want your image
to lose any information!
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