How to Convert TIFF to PNG Without Losing Quality
Today, the use of various types of image formats is a common part of photography, graphic design, and casual use. The most widely known file types, TIFF and PNG, are generally used for different purposes. If you are one of those who was wondering how to convert a TIFF into PNG, then you are in luck. This article has made such processes effective and outlines what all needs to be done within simple Windows or Mac procedures, online tools, batch conversions, and even how to reverse it when the need may arise. Let’s begin.
What is a TIFF File?
TIFF or Tagged Image File Format is one such image format that was developed with versatility and high quality in mind, originating in the 1980s by Aldus Corporation, which is now a part of Adobe. It has gained favor with professionals for its support of lossless compression, whereby for every image saved in that format, no data undergoes loss, thereby preserving details of the original. TIFF files maintain numerous layers, which can pose a complex editing environment for applications like Adobe Photoshop. Furthermore, they deal with high-resolution images, and this is why they are mostly accepted in publishing, archiving, and photographic applications.
One downside of the TIFF format is its corresponding file size. Due to the sheer amount of data retained from the original, it can require significant amounts of storage space, which brings about some inconvenience while sharing via the internet or any web-based projects. It is during these events that converting to a smaller format, like PNG, is beneficial.
What is a PNG File?
PNG, or Portable Network Graphics, is a format created in the mid-1990s that hopes to improve upon GIF. It was made specifically for the internet specifically, unlike TIFF; it uses lossless compression also, but produces files typically smaller than those of TIFF, making it a fine format for web images. PNG files also support transparency, allowing for even transparent backgrounds—which is most beneficial for logos, icons, and graphic design components.
While PNG isn’t quite as multi-layered as TIFF, it has a balance of quality. Almost all software and platforms certainly work with it-and this is the reason so many convert their TIFF to PNG merely to have a less manageable file without too much sacrificing of quality.
How to Convert a TIFF to PNG on Windows?
If you are a Windows user, converting TIFF to PNG is easy with built-in utilities or free software. An easy method is to use Microsoft Paint, which is included in almost every Windows installation:
- Right-click on your TIFF file, select Open with, and pick Paint.
- Once the image opens up, click on File in the upper left and then select Save As. From the dropdown list, select PNG Picture.
- Pick a folder to save the new PNG file, give it a name, and click on Save.
- Go to the saved location and open the file to double-check that it was converted correctly.
For more control and features, you may use GIMP, a graphic editing software that is free and highly regarded. After installing GIMP, you can open your TIFF file, go to File > Export As, choosing the PNG format and adjusting your settings such as compress level if applicable, and exporting it.
How to Convert a TIFF to PNG on Mac?
There are similarly easy options for Mac users to convert a TIFF file to PNG. Just use the built-in Preview app for quick access.
- Double-click your TIFF file to open it in Preview (the default image viewer on macOS).
- Click on “File” > “Export.” Change the format to “PNG” from the drop-down list in the dialog that appears.
- Quality settings are adjustable, although the default usually suffices for most purposes.
- Choose a destination, name your file, and hit “Save.”
For advanced options, use Photoshop or Pixelmator and open the TIFF with it, saving or exporting it as a PNG and adjusting the resolution or transparency as necessary. Preview is sufficient for most basic conversions, though, so there’s no need for any additional downloads.
Online Conversion Options
So you don’t want to install any software? Maybe you want a platform-independent solution? You can always go online. Online converters are very handy in converting TIFF to PNG format. Sites like Zamzar, CloudConvert, and Convertio make it really easy:
- Go to the site and either drag your TIFF file into the browser, or click “Choose File” to upload it.
- Select PNG as the output format.
- Hit the “Convert” button and wait for a little while-for a few seconds.
- Finally, download the PNG file to your device.
Most of these tools can convert small files free of charge, but a few will limit the size or number of converted files unless you pay for a premium service. Also, try to avoid using these sites for very confidential images, as any uploaded file might have little privacy risk attached to it since it is sent to a third party; use only reputable sites.
How to Batch Convert TIFF to PNG (Multiple Images At Once)?
Batch conversion is the best way to save time. It can be tedious to convert images one by one if you have a folder consisting of TIFF files. This is where the Image Converter by SysTools comes into play. This software not only allows you to batch convert TIFF to PNG images, but also supports 16+ export formats other than PNG. In fact, you can even reverse the process using this tool.
Download the free demo version of the tool from above and test its working. Once you are satisfied with its results, you can directly purchase the full version for unlimited conversion.
Video & How-it-Works of TIFF to PNG Converter Software:
Step by Step Process to Convert Multiple TIFF/TIF Files into PNG Image Format
- Start the software and click on Add Files button.
- Import the TIFF images into the software and order them accordingly.
- Now, preview the files in the panel.
- Next, choose PNG as the export format and set advanced settings.
- Finally, click the Convert button to complete the process.
Batch conversion for workflows such as digitizing photo archives and prepping assets for a website is different and it makes life easy.
How to Convert Back?
There are occasions when you might require the conversion of PNG into TIFF. It can be for professional editing or archiving. This will be an equally straightforward procedure:
- Using Software: Open the above explained software by SysTools and import all the PNG files. Then, select TIFF as export and complete the conversion. This software supports multiple image types and can convert back the image files with ease.
It is worth considering that the restoration of data that might have been lost during the first-round conversion to PNG-such as layers-would not be possible on account of PNG’s incapacity to store that information. In case you will be needing the original TIFF later, take a backup before converting.
Conclusion
An essential matching skill is to convert TIFF files into PNG format, which brings the contrasting situation of high-grade archival formats having some web utility. With native programs like Paint or Preview, it tends to be quick and free whether you are on Windows or Mac, while extra systems like GIMP or online converters give you some flexibility. When handling an extensive amount of work, batch conversion is there to save you some time, with the reverse becoming just as easy if the need should arise. With these options in store, you should easily change your images to PNG or other format to fit any situation.
FAQs
Q: Will TIFF to PNG conversion lower quality?
A: No, as both the TIFF and PNG formats utilize lossless compression the quality always remains unchanged. Note, however, that while PNG lacks the support for layers that TIFF has, some data may not transition.
Q: Can I convert TIFFs to PNGs from my phone?
A: Yes, use Converter apps from Android & iOS store, or go to any online converter of your choice through a browser.
Q: Are online converters safe?
A: For images that you have no problem if other view them, its safe. But uploading sensitive pictures online is a no-no.
Q: What is the fastest way to convert multiple TIFF files at once?
A: Batch-conversion tools on Windows and Mac are the fastest for local processing.