TIFF is a lossless image format wherein no pixels are modified in the image. It stands for Tag Image File Format and supports IPTC/XMP data with certain software. Generally, it produces very large image sizes in terms of computer file size. However, it has the option of being compressed with a technique known as LZW – which can shrink the image with no loss of data. Some programs would allow compression by ZIP or JPEG.

TIFF files are much larger in computer file size than their JPEG equivalents even if compressed. Graphic designers favor it since it was an early standard on the MAC, aside from being able to retain all image information.