PNG vs TIFF: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of PNG and TIFF image formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. TIFF is best for Print publishing, scanning, and archival photography.

Quick Verdict

PNG Best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support
✗ Larger than JPEG for photos

Convert PNG to TIFF →

TIFF Best for Print publishing, scanning, and archival photography

✓ Lossless quality
✓ Multi-page support
✓ Wide color depth support
✗ Very large file sizes

Convert TIFF to PNG →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of PNG and TIFF

Feature	PNG	TIFF
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	1996	1986
MIME Type	image/png	image/tiff
Extensions	.png	.tiff, .tif
Lossy	✗	✗
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✓
Animation	✗	✗
Max Color Depth	16-bit	32-bit
Hdr	✗	✓

Pros & Cons

PNG

Pros

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support

Cons

✗ Larger than JPEG for photos
✗ No animation (use APNG)
✗ No lossy mode

TIFF

Pros

✓ Lossless quality
✓ Multi-page support
✓ Wide color depth support

Cons

✗ Very large file sizes
✗ No web browser support
✗ Complex specification

When to Use Each

Choose PNG when...

You need files optimized for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams
Lossless compression
Full transparency support
You need lossless quality

Choose TIFF when...

You need files optimized for Print publishing, scanning, and archival photography
Lossless quality
Multi-page support
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between PNG and TIFF for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert PNG to TIFF Runs in your browser — files never leave your device Convert TIFF to PNG Runs in your browser — files never leave your device

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between PNG and TIFF?

PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams, while TIFF is best for Print publishing, scanning, and archival photography. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is PNG or TIFF better for image?

It depends on your use case. PNG is better for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. TIFF is better for Print publishing, scanning, and archival photography. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert PNG to TIFF?

Go to the PNG to TIFF converter on ChangeThisFile. The conversion runs entirely in your browser — your file never leaves your device. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert TIFF to PNG?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports TIFF to PNG conversion. The conversion runs in your browser with no upload required.

Which is smaller, PNG or TIFF?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. PNG preserves full quality. TIFF preserves full quality. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does PNG support hdr?

No, PNG does not support hdr, whereas TIFF does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.

Is PNG or TIFF free to use?

Both PNG and TIFF are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — browser-based conversions have no limits and your files never leave your device.

Which format is newer, PNG or TIFF?

PNG is newer — it was introduced in 1996, while TIFF dates back to 1986. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.