JPEG and TIFF are two common types of file formats that we use for storing images. JPEG and TIFF images are raster images defined using pixels with one or more associated numbers. The value of these numbers decides the location, colour, or size of the pixel in the particular image.
Almost all the images you see on the web or captured using digital cameras are raster images. Being raster images, the image in JPEG format differs from the image in TIFF format in the way they compress images.
With JPEG format, the image is compressed using the lossy compression method. However, with the TIFF format, the compression is lossless. In this section, we will discuss all the differences between JPEG and TIFF. So, let us start.
Content: JPEG Vs TIFF
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison Chart | JPEG | TIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Joint Photography Expert Group | Tagged Image File Format |
| Compression | Uses a lossy compression method | Uses lossless compression |
| Size | Small size files around 10 MB | Comparatively larger than JPEG up to 4GB |
| Purpose | Ideal for websites, PPTs, emails, web, i.e. where small file size would do | Ideal for printing banners flexes where higher resolution is required |
| Use | Used by common users | Used by professionals such as photographers and editors |
What is JPEG?
JPEG means Joint Photo Graphic Experts Group, an international organization that standardized the JPEG format in the early 1990s. JPEG is a file format we use to store images on a digital camera or other reprographic devices.
Before 1990 computer graphics were very poor. ISO was still working to introduce photo-realistic images for digital screens. This was when the Joint Photo Graphic Experts Group introduced their own standard to compress images so that they appear photo realistic on small PC screens. This format applies a lossy compression method to compress the images.
Although the image quality is compromised, a common user cannot identify this. Because JPEG format only eliminates visual data from the images that a normal human eye cannot identify.
With the lossy compression method, the format also reduces the size of the file. So, the format is helpful for limited storage, such as smartphones. These kinds of images take little of your hard drive space.
JPEG also stores metadata of each file, such as the date and time at which the image is saved or taken from the camera. In some cases, it even stores the settings of the camera while taking the picture was snapped, the name of the camera, etc.
Use of JPEG Files
- Most websites that provide free stock images, such as ‘Pixabay’, display their images in JPEG format as they display on the webpage faster because of their smaller size without sacrificing much of the quality.
- Even blogging websites display their content relevant images in JPEG format as it lets the page load faster on the user’s browser, and readers can have quick access to it. And even the jpeg images do not take up too much space on the website’s server.
- Usually, common users also store the images on their computers in JPEG format as it allows numerous images to be stored on the hard disk.
- Almost all the devices that can display images support the JPEG file format.
What is TIFF?
TIFF, i.e., Tagged Image File Format, was introduced by Aldus Corporation. TIFF is a common format for scanned images. In the early 1980s, when the format was introduced for the images created by the desktop scanner, it uses to accommodate only grayscale images.
With the advent of scanner technology and growing hard disk sizes, the TIFF format also grew to accommodate colour images. Later, Aldus Corporation was acquired by Adobe, so now Adobe has copyrights to this format.
TIFF format allows users to save uncompressed images, compressed using lossless compression or the lossy compression method. The lossless compression of TIFF images does not compromise the quality of images. Thus, it is popular among photographers as it has become the easiest way to store high-quality images.
But, lossless compression has become a standard compression for TIFF. The size of TIFF images is comparatively larger than other raster images like JPEG, PNG, and GIF.
Use of TIFF Files
- We use TIFF format for scanned images for storing high-resolution documents or for storing images of your artwork for which high-resolution images are required.
- The TIFF format is even the favourite format of photographers and editors as the format helps in retaining the details of the images.
- TIFF file also works as container files, storing several small-sized JPEG files when you want to mail several images at once.
Key Differences Between JPEG and TIFF
- JPEG is the abbreviation of Joint Photography Expert Group. However, TIFF is the abbreviation of Tagged Image File Format.
- JPEG applies a lossy compression method to store images with an unnoticeable loss in the quality of images. On the contrary, lossless compression has become a standard compression for TIFF. Although it even enables the user to decide whether they want to compress the image or not.
- Due to data loss in compression, JPEG images have a small file size, which could be up to 10 MB. On the other hand, due to lossless compression, the file size of TIFF images is comparatively larger than JEPG, which could be up to 4 GB.
- If we consider the purpose of JPEG images, they were introduced to provide realistic photo images for small digital screens. On the contrary, TIFF images were introduced to accommodate high-resolution scanned images.
- Common users use JPEG format to save images, post images on the internet, share pictures over apps, etc. At the same time, the TIFF format is used by photographers and editors so that they have further scope to process the images before printing them in magazines, flex, papers etc.
Conclusion
Now, we know that JPEG applies lossy compression on images, and TIFF applies lossless compression on images. But which one to choose? Which is the best format?
Well, which one you should use totally depends on your purpose. Like, if you require a high-resolution image detailing minute information about your artwork, you must use TIFF format. If you are not worried about the resolution and a fine image will work for you, JPEG is the perfect format to use.
Leave a Reply