No matter what type of file you use to save and store your pictures, documents, and videos, there are times when you need to compress them. Understanding how to compress TIFF files can help save you time and space.

What are TIFF Files?

TIFF files are high-quality image files that are designed to preserve the original quality of an image. They are most useful when you intend to transfer graphics to print form since they're able to contain a great deal of data and detail. TIFF files are not ideal for web images since they can take longer to load and transmit.

Some types of image files, including JPEG and GIF files, naturally use compress in their storage to help minimize their imprint. TIFF files, on the other hand, are focused on maintaining the original quality of the image. It offers a great medium for print files, including files that you may want to blow up to larger sizes, but it does take up more space, which can prove problematic for some users.

Why Would You Compress a TIFF File?

TIFF files are, by their very nature, larger than many other types of files. This means they can quickly take up a great deal of space on your device. Luckily, you can compress them when you need to:

Storing Files

File storage can quickly exceed your available resources, especially if you're using a free online storage option or storing it in a hard drive form. If you need to store a large quantity of TIFF files, compressing them can help you keep more files in a smaller amount of space. Many photographers, freelancers, and media professionals find that compressing TIFF files can make it easier to keep those files in order without sacrificing quality.

Sending and Transferring Files.

Compressed files are naturally smaller than larger, uncompressed files. Since TIFF files naturally come with a large file size due to the quality of the images, compressing TIFF files is an excellent way to make transmission easier. A compressed file is more likely to:

  • Send properly over text, if you're trying to send out a quick message or preview
  • Send via email
  • Transfer over a network
  • Send to file backups

If you regularly share TIFF files with other users, compressing them before sending is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your file sends quickly and efficiently, rather than getting bogged down and slowing your overall network speeds. Worse, too-large files may not send at all through some strategies.

Enhancing Security

Using the right file compress program can help enhance the security of your files and help you protect your images.

How to Compress TIFF Files

In order to effectively compress TIFF files, you will need to start with the right software. Choose software that is designed for TIFF files, rather than forcing you to convert your file to another format in order to save and compress it. By using the right software, you can maintain the quality of your image while still compressing it down to a smaller size. You also want a file compressor that:

  • Works in conjunction with your existing storage system, including DropBox or Google Drive
  • Helps maintain the security of your files
  • Allows you to access and manage files in any format
  • Makes it easy to share files across the formats you use most often

How to Compress TIFF files in WinZip

From File Explorer:

  1. From your File Explorer select all of the files you want to compress.
  2. Right-click on the selected files. WinZip > Add/Move to Zip File… This will open WinZip with options about how you want your file zipped.
  3. Select your file options, like name, location, encryption, and any other features you want to include.
  4. Select Add. This will create a zip file in the location you selected containing all your files.

From within WinZip:

  1. From within WinZip, locate the files you want to zip using the panel on the left.
  2. Select all of the files you want to compress.
  3. Select the Add to Zip button at the bottom of the left panel.
  4. After you add all of the files you want to the Zip file, select the "Save as" button in the right bottom corner. Name your file and select save.

Note: Certain file types do not compress as much as others. You must have WinZip installed on your computer to use these methods.

Conclusion

Are you looking for a file compress program that will manage your TIFF files and the other large-format files that you need to use on a regular basis? WinZip can help. Contact us today to learn more about our file compress options or to download a free trial.

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