PDF to TIFF Converter

Convert your PDF files to TIFF images online for free with smallpdf.tools

PDF to TIFF for archives, print and fax

TIFF is a high-quality image format used where detail matters more than file size: document archives, professional printing, medical imaging, fax systems and some legal record systems.

Converting a PDF to TIFF turns each page into an image that keeps full detail, which is why some archives and print shops still ask for it.

Archives like TIFF because the format is well documented and has been stable for decades, so files made today should still open in many years.

TIFF files are large. A colour page can be tens of megabytes, so check storage limits on the system you are uploading to.

Text in a TIFF is an image. It can't be searched or copied unless the receiving system runs text recognition (OCR) on it.

Phones and many email apps can't preview TIFF, so it is a poor choice for ordinary readers. Use PDF or JPG for them.

For printing, check the resolution the printer expects. 300 dpi is the usual minimum for print-quality images.

Keep the original PDF. It is smaller, searchable and easier to share, so treat the TIFF as an extra copy for the system that needs it.

To turn TIFF scans back into a PDF, use TIFF to PDF.

If a portal only asks for an image file, try JPG or PNG first. They are smaller and accepted almost everywhere.

When to use PDF to TIFF

Use PDF to TIFF when an archive system, fax service or print shop asks for TIFF files.

PDF to TIFF: common questions

Who still uses TIFF?

Document archives, fax services, publishers and some legal and medical systems, because TIFF stores images without losing detail.

Will the TIFF files be large?

Yes. TIFF keeps full detail, so files are bigger than JPG or PNG.

Can I open TIFF on my phone?

Many phones can't preview TIFF. Use PDF to JPG or PDF to PNG if the images are for sharing.