TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a universal image format that is compatible with most image editing and viewing programs. It can be compressed in a lossless way, internally with LZW or Zip compression, or externally with programs like WinZip. While JPEG only supports 8 bits/channel single layer RGB images, TIFF also supports 16 bits/channel multi-layer CMYK images in PC and Macintosh format. TIFF is therefore widely used as a final format in the printing and publishing industry.

Many digital cameras offer TIFF output as an uncompressed alternative to compressed JPEG. Due to space and processing constraints only the 8 bits/channel version is used in digital cameras. Higher-end scanners offer a 16 bits/channel TIFF option. If available, RAW is a much better alternative for digital cameras than TIFF.