Understanding the .tif file format

Understanding .tif files

I frequently get calls from attorneys who cannot open  files with a “.tif” or “.tiff” extension.  Generally, they receive the file(s) from an expert, co-counsel or client.  Of course, not wanting to look technically inept, they call me to help. 

So for all those that have always wondered how to approach this techno-detour, I’ve created this post about how to open .tif files.  

The “.tif” (Tagged Image File) file format (aka .tiff) is a format primarily used for creating huge image or line art files.  Even some scanning devices and software applications save in a  .tif format.  The problem for some is when you try to open the .tif file, it won’t; or asks you which program to open it in.  It’s simply that the .tif extension is not registered as a file extension, or not associated to open with a program on your computer.

You can check this on your own computer following these steps:

• Double-click the My Computer icon,  or right-click on the Windows® Start button and choose Explore.
• Click Tools, Folder Options...

• Click the File Types tab and scroll through the list and see if .tif or .tiff is listed.

• If you don’t see either listed, click the  New button 
• Type TIF in the File Extension field and click OK.

 Once you have the extension listed, you can choose which program to use to open and edit the files.  The computer will supply a recommended list of programs in alphabetical order to choose from, as shown in the example below.  I would pick one you feel most comfortable working in.

Additionally, by checking the box “Always use the selected program to open this kind of file,“  you can request that .tif files open ONLY using the selected program.  You will save a lot of billable minutes by not having to decide each time you receive this type of file on how to open them.

In my next post, I’ll talk about converting all those .tif images into one PDF.