PNG vs TIFF
How do PNG and TIFFcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.png
Full guide →Portable Network Graphics
PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency. It was created as an improved, non-patented replacement for GIF. PNG is ideal for graphics, logos, screenshots, and any image where quality preservation is critical.
.tiff
Full guide →Tagged Image File Format
TIFF is a flexible, high-quality image format widely used in publishing, photography, and archival. It supports lossless compression, multiple layers, and high bit depths, making it the standard for professional imaging.
| Specification | PNG | TIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Network Graphics | Tagged Image File Format |
| Extension | .png | .tiff |
| MIME type | image/png | image/tiff |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Developer | PNG Development Group | Aldus Corporation (now Adobe) |
| Year introduced | 1996 | 1986 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
PNG advantages
- Lossless compression — no quality loss
- Supports full transparency (alpha channel)
- Great for text, logos, and sharp-edged graphics
- Universally supported across all browsers and platforms
PNG limitations
- Larger file sizes than JPG for photographs
- No animation support (use APNG or GIF instead)
- Not ideal for print workflows (CMYK not supported)
TIFF advantages
- Lossless quality — industry standard for print
- Supports layers, pages, and metadata
- High bit depth (up to 64-bit)
- Flexible compression options
TIFF limitations
- Very large file sizes
- Not supported in web browsers
- Complex format with many variations
- Slow to process compared to simpler formats
Which should you use?
Both PNG and TIFF have their strengths. PNG excels at website graphics and logos, while TIFF is better for professional photography and print production.
Best uses for PNG
Best uses for TIFF
Convert between PNG and TIFF
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.