Definition of GIF & Tiff Files
GIF and TIFF files are computer graphics files that are used for images and photos in computer applications. GIF stands for graphics or raphical interchange format, while TIFF, which is sometimes written TIF, is an acronym for tagged image file format. While both are used for images, GIFs tend to be used for small graphics while TIFFs are used for larger, more complex images.
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Characteristics
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A GIF may contain up to 256 indexed colors and is known as a lossless format, which means image clarity is not reduced by compression. Pixels in a GIF must be either fully transparent or fully opaque. TIFFs can be used to represent raster and vector images and support color depths from 1-bit to 24-bit.
Category
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GIFs and TIFFs are categorized as raster image files. A raster uses bits of information, which appear on a screen or page as pixels, to represent points of color that are combined to create a finished image.
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Uses
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GIFs are often used to create images for websites, including those combining an image with text, such as buttons. They are especially useful for small images. They can also be used for simple animations known as animated GIFS. The TIFF format was designed to be a standard format for high-quality graphics on multiple platforms and are useful for storing multi-color, high-detail images such as digital photos.
Pros and Cons
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The small file size of a GIF makes it ideal for transmitting over a network, which is why it is popular with Internet applications for small icons and animations, but it lacks the range of color to properly recreate more complex images such as photographs. The TIFF format is excellent for capturing detail, such as that contained in a photograph, but its popularity has waned in the Internet age, with the smaller file size of JPEG images more suitable for transmission over the web.
Compatible Programs
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Programs on the Mac OS that support the GIF and TIFF formats include Apple Preview, Safari, Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, The Logo Creator, Nuance OmniPage Pro X and Roxio Toast 10 Titanium. Windows programs that use the GIF and TIFF formats include Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Corel Paintshop Photo, The Logo Creator, ACDSee Photo Manager 2009, Nuance PaperPort 12, Nuance OmniPage Professional 17 and Roxio Creator 2010. GIMP (Graphic Image Manipulation Program) supports the GIF format on the Linux operating system.
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References
- Photo Credit computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
