Skip to main content
Legend
July 23, 2023
Answered

Tiff Options Image Compression" None VS LZW "

  • July 23, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 16536 views

Hello Everyone.


When saving my Images as a Tiff Format, I choose the Image Compression: None. I heard using LZW is the same as None, but smaller File Size, without any Image Loss Quality. Is that True?

Which one you recommend

Thanks

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Stephen Marsh

LZW is clearly not the same as NONE, but just like ZIP it is lossless compression (no data is discarded).

 

LZW has wider support in other applications, however, ZIP may provide better compression with less compatibility.

 

Lossy JPEG compression inside a TIFF is often avoided as it may not be obvious and multiple open/saves may degrade the image, whereas saving as a JPEG format file at least makes it obvious that JPEG lossy compression is naturally applied.

1 reply

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Stephen MarshCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
July 24, 2023

LZW is clearly not the same as NONE, but just like ZIP it is lossless compression (no data is discarded).

 

LZW has wider support in other applications, however, ZIP may provide better compression with less compatibility.

 

Lossy JPEG compression inside a TIFF is often avoided as it may not be obvious and multiple open/saves may degrade the image, whereas saving as a JPEG format file at least makes it obvious that JPEG lossy compression is naturally applied.

Legend
July 24, 2023

Dear Stephen.

Thanks for the answer. Let's say I want to save the TIFF files inside my computer, and I have enough space, so technically there is no reason to go LZW. Then I should use None?

Thanks

 

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 24, 2023

That would be safest, but I have never had any problems with LZW as a default.