TIFF and PNG are both common image file types you’ll find around the web and on your computer. Yet, when you click on a TIFF or PNG image, the two often look very different.
They both have the main characteristics necessary for storing a digital image. Even so, there are notable differences between TIFF vs PNG. That’s why it’s important to know about them before choosing one over the other.
To learn more about the difference between TIFF vs PNG, keep reading.
Compression Methods
When it comes to compression methods, PNG and TIFF are two of the most popular formats. But what exactly are the differences between the two?
For one, PNG uses lossless compression, meaning that the data is kept intact. This makes it ideal for images that need to be preserved in their original quality.
TIFF, on the other hand, uses lossy compression, which means that some data is lost during compression. This can be undesirable for certain types of images, but it can also result in smaller file sizes. In terms of file size, PNG is generally larger than TIFF.
File Size
They both have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages when it comes to filing size.
TIFF files are typically much larger than PNG files but have a good leeway for compression to reduce their file size. This makes TIFF files ideal for storing high-quality images that need editing or printing but the larger file size can also make the files difficult to share online.
PNG files are much smaller than TIFF files. This makes PNG files ideal for sharing images online, but they may not be suitable for printing or editing.
Image Quality
PNG is a format specifically designed for images with a limited number of colors, such as line drawings, logos, and other graphics with flat color regions. This format is often used by a custom logo maker to make sure that the transparency is intact.
By contrast, TIFF files can support much more color depth and data, making them ideal for storing photographs and other images with complex color profiles.
In terms of image quality, both PNG and TIFF files can produce excellent results, but the TIFF format offers more flexibility and options for advanced users.
Transparency
The PNG format is lossless, which means they maintain their quality after being compressed. They also support transparency, while TIFF images do not.
Learn When to Use TIFF vs PNG Starting Today
Both are great for different purposes but it’s important to know when to use TIFF vs PNG to get the most out of your images.
TIFF is a lossless format, making it ideal for images that need to be high quality, such as for printing. PNG is also lossless, but it also supports transparency. This makes it ideal for web design, where you may need to overlay images on top of one another.
Knowing when to use each format will help you get the most out of your images.
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