What is the Difference Between a TIF & a PDF?
Both PDF and TIFF files are widely used in desktop publishing, but have very different specifications. Both have the ability to transfer image files, and send uncompressed images, but different types of publishing require choosing the correct file.
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TIFF
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TIFF stands for "Tagged Image File Format." A TIFF can store image data (such as photographs) uncompressed or with various forms of loss-less compression--the ability to reduce file size without losing data. TIFF files can also be utilized to store vector data, such as shapes and text. TIFF files are widely accepted across publishing and printing industries, making them a smart choice when working with images and graphics.
PDF
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Adobe developed the PDF, or "Portable Document Format," designed for a wide range of publishing needs. It is geared for nonprofessionals to use easily and widely.
A PDF can also store image and vector data, but its strengths lie in the way it handles text. A PDF file can display text as elements, which means users can copy text from a PDF as they would any other text file. This makes PDF files ideal for distribution as electronic communication, because end users can copy, but not change the text.
New versions of PDF files include the "forms" ability in the file. Forms are used to calculate data, such as adding up numbers on an order form.
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Key Differences
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PDF files can contain images as compressed or uncompressed data. They can transfer vector data and are widely accepted due to the prevalence of Adobe's Acrobat software. PDF files can contain copyable text and use calculations to accomplish tasks from within the document.
TIFFs are widely accepted in the graphic design industry, but not among nonprofessional users. TIFF files can contain compressed or uncompressed image data and carry vector data. Text in TIFF documents is "rasterized," or made into image data, which the recipient cannot use.
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