File Extension Database

Open TIFF File

TIFF file contains an image in image file interchange format used in both print and digital cameras. While TIF is short for Tagged Image File, it is written as a shorter variant of the Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), but there are no differences between two formats.

TIFF files provide true color reproduction in print with a color depth of up to 32 bits per channel, supporting cyan, magenta, and yellow color grades. This level of detail makes TIFF files quite large to handle. TIFF files are ideal for efficient encoding of RAW files.

Therefore, many digital cameras support the TIFF format for storing RAW images.

Since TIFF allows lossless storage of an image, it is particularly useful for post-processing with professional software.

However, TIFF files have a size limit set at 4 GB, which does not really represent a problem for the SLR processing of modern digital images, but making a point, in astronomical scientific applications or that require a zoom very entrenched, the TIFF hits its performance limit here.

To open and work with a TIFF file, you need to have at least one of the following programs installed

Typical TIFF application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\PictureViewer.exe "%1"
%SystemRoot%\System32\rundll32.exe "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Photo Gallery\PhotoViewer.dll"
C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Photo Viewer\PhotoViewer.dll", ImageView_Fullscreen %1
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"

Typical TIFF mime types:

image/tiff
 ImageView_Fullscreen %1

Frequently used application names to open TIFF files:

QuickTime
Windows Photo Gallery
Windows Photo Viewer
Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

QuickTime.tiff
TIFImage.Document
WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.tif.14.0

How Can I Open TIFF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open TIFF file is to find a TIFF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a TIFF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open TIFF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as TIFF file opener then try to search online for "TIFF viewer", "application to open TIFF file" or "open TIFF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open TIFF file

How Can I Open TIFF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a TIFF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a TIFF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with TIFF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as TIFF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open TIFF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open TIFF file then try to search for "TIFF viewer", "application to open TIFF file" or "read TIFF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read TIFF file

How Can I Open TIFF File on Android

If you downloaded a TIFF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded TIFF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "TIFF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "TIFF viewer", "TIFF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open TIFF File on iPhone or iPad

To open TIFF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the TIFF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "TIFF". This way you can find apps which can open TIFF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "TIFF viewer" or "TIFF file" online in your favorite search engine.