Convert TIFF to PDF in a few simple steps.

A woman uses a desktop computer to convert TIFF files to PDFs with Adobe Acrobat.

TIFF files are used for variable-resolution bitmap images and are popular for their high portability. To conveniently present or share TIFF files, convert them to PDFs.

Wondering how to convert TIFF to PDF? The Tag Image File Format (TIFF or TIF) is popular among graphic artists. Used for high-quality raster graphic images, they’re generally much larger than other image formats — even when compressed. TIFFs are favored for their uncompromising quality and can be managed by many graphic editor apps, desktop publishing programs, and word-processing software.

Read on to learn more about TIFF files and how to convert TIFF to PDF.

What is a TIFF file used for?

Since TIFFs are large files that allow you to combine multiple images and file types without necessarily compressing, they are especially useful in design spaces. At first, the TIFF was designated for printed designs. Now, it’s also used in digital design. Graphic designers and photographers appreciate the TIFF for its high quality and resolution. They tend to use this format for detailed photos and scans.

One less expected use for the TIFF is as a storage file. Because you can contain many images in one TIFF without compressing them, you can use a TIFF to store other files like JPGs.

Benefits of converting TIFF to PDF.

Why would you want to convert TIFF to PDF? The main issue solved by converting to PDF is shareability. Because TIFFs are large files, they can be difficult to send. Even if you do manage to send a TIFF over email, for example, it’s going to be a very slow process and will take a long time for your recipient to view. Converting to PDF compresses your files and makes sharing quick.

You may also want to convert TIFF to PDF for security reasons. TIFFs are excellent to work with, and they open many doors creatively. If you’re sending your designs, photos, or edits to someone else, however, you may not want them to take too much creative license with your work.

Converting TIFF to PDF means that it won’t be easy for others to tweak your designs behind your back. You can more easily preserve the integrity of your design with a PDF.

TIFF to PDF: How to convert a TIFF to PDF | Adobe Acrobat

Before you email TIFF images or combine them with a larger document, you’ll want to convert them to PDF. Here's how to quickly and easily convert TIFF files to PDF using Adobe Acrobat tools — simply follow the five steps below.

A woman uses a desktop computer to convert TIFF files to PDFs with Adobe Acrobat.

  1. In Acrobat, navigate to the Create PDF option from the Tools menu
  2. Click on Select A File
  3. Navigate to the location of your TIFF file and click on it
  4. Choose Create
  5. Click the save icon to save your new PDF to the desired location

You can still convert TIFF to PDF, even if you don’t have any Adobe software installed on your device. Fortunately, Acrobat online services have a tool to convert images like TIFF, JPG, and PNG to PDF. Here’s how you can convert TIFF to PDF with Acrobat online:

  1. Open any browser on your device and navigate to the Convert JPG to PDF tool.
  2. Drag and drop your TIFF, or click Select a File to browse and select your TIFF.
  3. Wait for your TIFF to load and convert.
  4. Download your new PDF.

When you work with graphic images, the more data available to you, the better. You can be more creative with colors, shapes, and photos using large files. Eventually, the final product will need to be emailed, shared, or published. At that point, large files work against you. By converting your TIFF images to PDFs before you send them or publish them, you capture your masterpiece in a more manageable format.

Additional resources for images and PDFs.

Working with PDFs allows you to maintain the formatting, shareability, and printability of your designs. Fortunately, there are many tools you can use to make working with PDFs easier.

Are your PDFs too large after converting them from a TIFF file? There are many ways to reduce the file size:

Looking for other resources to work with images?

Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to convert TIFF to PDF, discover other file types you can convert to PDF with Acrobat online services today, including PowerPoint to PDF, Word to PDF, and more.