PDF export images as TIFF or JPG?

Forum|Forum|2 months ago
November 14, 2025
3 replies
85 views

When exporting an ID document to a PDF for printing I would like to know about image quality settings in the output settings dialogue in creating a PDF. I work on my ID with 16 bit TIFF images for these are what I've edited from originally and provide no loss in quality. In the export box can change the downsample resolution to 300ppi and change the export of format to TIFF from high quality JPG. My aim is to send the highest quality product to the printer without compromise or risk of artifacts that can happen with 8 bit JPG. Is what I'm doing best practice or should I just be using high quality JPG with maximum quality setting at export?

Correct answer JR Boulay

"should I just be using high quality JPG with maximum quality setting at export? "

Yes, it's the best choice. JPG at maximum quality does not produce any degradation visible to the human eye.

Using 16-bit images for printing is unnecessary and counterproductive.

Brad @ Roaring Mouse

Community Expert

Instead of using JPG compression, use could always try ZIP. It won't be as compact a file, but it's lossless (outside of the downsampling)

rob day

Community Expert

risk of artifacts that can happen with 8 bit JPG.

Hi @dinz100001 , Also, you can place 16-bit per channel images in InDesign, but they get converted to 8-bit on a PDF Export. Check Acrobat’s Output Preview set to Object Inspector and click on an image. This 16bit per channel Adobe RGB image Exports as 24 bits (8-bits per channel):