What Is TIFF & How to Recover Deleted TIFF Files?

What is a TIFF file?

The Tagged Image File Format (TIFF/TIF) is a versatile format designed for raster images, suitable for use on various devices that adhere to this standardized format.

It comprehensively describes image data in different color spaces, including bi-level, grayscale, palette color, and full color.

Each TIFF file can comprise multiple layers and a limited number of color components. Graphic programs benefit from this feature as each layer could be independently edited and saved as a separate file.

Within the format, lossy and lossless compression methods are available, allowing users to prioritize either storage space or processing time based on their specific needs.

Moreover, TIFF is independent of any particular machine and remains unaffected by factors such as processors, operating systems, or file systems.

How to open TIFF files?

So how do you open a TIFF file? In Windows, all versions are capable of opening TIFF files. Let’s show how to open a downloaded TIFF image on Windows 10 with Microsoft Photos.

» Please press Win + E to open File Explorer > click Downloads > right-click on your saved TIFF file > select Open with > Photos.

Elements, Microsoft Paint, File Viewer Plus, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021, as well as ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio also can help Windows users open TIFF photos.

Besides, Mac devices also provide seamless support for TIFF files through these photo viewing and editing software.

• Apple Photos
• Apple Preview
• Adobe Illustrator 2021
• Adobe Photoshop 2022
• Adobe Photoshop Elements
• CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021
• MacPhun ColorStrokes

For Windows | How to recover deleted TIFF files?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of photo loss, there is still hope for TIFF file recovery. Under the guidance of this article, you can efficiently recover your deleted TIFF files.

Please caution should be exercised to prevent overwriting the original deleted/missing files for a higher photo recovery rate.

Way 1. Recover deleted/lost TIFF files via the best TIFF file recovery software

Without backups, powerful data recovery software ensures a high data recovery rate for deleted and missing TIFF files, especially for partial users who intend to recover deleted photos from Recycle Bin after emptying them.

One of the best TIFF file recovery software is MyRecover, which boasts a user-friendly interface and a streamlined recovery process.

Supported by advanced scanning technology and a high photo recovery rate, MyRecover can recover deleted/missing photos (TIFF, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, MPO, ORF, etc.) from computer drives and other local drives.

Notes:✎...   

After TIFF file recovery, please store your retrieved TIFF images in your previously designated new location.

MyRecover free plan offers a 500MB data recovery allowance, enabling the recovery of an unlimited number of files. If you only need to recover TIFF files within 500MB, you don’t have to pay for it.

Please consider upgrading MyRecover to recover a large number of deleted/missing images from local drives if you prefer a more cost-effective plan. 

Step 1. Install and launch MyRecover on your Windows> Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted TIFF files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. MyRecover will automatically run Quick and Deep Scan to scan your selected C drive and display all the recoverable files.

You can preview or filter your needed TIFF files according to Document Type, Name, Size, Date, Path, etc.

• Name: Type the filenames of your desired files to narrow the search area.
• Date modified: Set the date (today, yesterday, last 7/30 days, etc.)
• Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~ 512MB, etc.)

Step 3. Under the Recycle Bin folder, select your desired TIFF pictures. Then click the “Recover x files” button.

After the photo recovery process, you can go to the saved path to check your recovered TIFF images.

The path usually is This PC\Your selected drive\the source drive +recovered date\the source folder saves your TIFF files before permanent deletion

Way 2. Restore accidentally/recently deleted TIFF files from Recycle Bin

For accidentally deleted TIFF files, Windows Recycle Bin is a straightforward solution.

You can recover pictures from Recycle Bin directly before pressing Shift + Delete keys or emptying this temporary storage place. Sometimes, you can also recover deleted AVI files from the desktop Recycle Bin.   

Notes:✎...

Otherwise, alternative methods such as software-based recovery need to be employed.

» Open your desktop Recycle Bin > locate the TIFF picture you want to retrieve > right-click on it > Restore it to its previously saved path.

Way 3. Restore deleted, lost, or corrupted TIFF files via File History

If your previously created backups contain your desired TIFF images, you can get them easily. Let’s take Windows File History as an example because this feature enables users to restore deleted, lost, or damaged original TIFF files.

Please meet the following cautions before following this solution. If not, Windows File History cannot work for you.   

Notes:✎...   

File History aims to back up files in Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Desktop folders, and offline OneDrive files saved on PCs. Please ensure you’ve stored TIFF files in these locations before deletion. Otherwise, File History is useless for you.

Please ensure you’ve opened Control Panel > System and Security to activate File History.

After turning on File History, Previous Versions can work for you to recover overwritten Excel files if needed.

Step 1. Type “System and Security” in the search bar to open it.

Step 2. Go to File History > select Restore your files with File History.

Step 3. Click the “Restore personal files” button.

Step 4. “Restore” your selected TIFF file to its previously saved path.  

Bonus tips: How to prevent TIFF files from data loss?

Are you seeking practical data loss prevention measures to prevent TIFF photo loss? If it happens to be your case, please refer to the pertinent suggestions below to minimize potential data loss.

• It’s advisable to utilize dependable media players to open TIFF files.
• Refrain from downloading TIFF image files from untrustworthy sources.
• To prevent potential data corruption, steer clear of power outages and failures.
• Please protect your PC by running the most up-to-date antivirus software.
• Exercise caution when engaging in file conversion activities.
• Regular backups made by Windows features or freeware AOMEI Backupper Standard are crucial to mitigate the risk of data loss.

Compared with their complicated backup steps and limited backup options of Windows features, AOMEI Backupper Standard provides easier backup and restoration steps and more flexible backup features.      

Key features of AOMEI Backupper Standard:✎...   

Enable to back up files, folders, partitions, disks, or systems to an internal/external hard drive, USB stick, Network, or Cloud drive.

Implementing intelligent backup strategies enables you to employ incremental backups, effectively conserving storage space.

By scheduling backups, you can ensure the continuous protection of your valuable data.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper on your Windows PC. Under the Backup tab, select the “File Backup” option.

Step 2. Click “Add Folder/Add File” to add the folder or TIFF files you prefer to back up.

Step 3. Click “Schedule Backup” to enable Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event triggers or USB plug based on your needs. Then click the “Start Backup” button.

Related Q&A about TIFF files

Learn how to recover deleted TIFF files via three feasible solutions from the above part.

For a higher TIFF file recovery rate, please avoid modifying or overwriting the original files before the recovery process. And there’re some related tips about TIFF image files.