Understanding TIFF preservation masters, resolution, colour, bit depth and the difference between master and access files.
What is an archival TIFF?
TIFF is an image file format widely used in digitisation because it can store high-quality raster images without requiring the same lossy compression approach commonly associated with JPEG delivery files. The term 'archival TIFF' describes a TIFF created as part of a preservation workflow rather than a special TIFF format.
Why use TIFF for preservation?
A preservation master should retain the visual information captured from the original with as little unnecessary loss as practical. TIFF can support high-resolution colour and greyscale imagery and is widely encountered in cultural heritage digitisation workflows.
Stage 1 — Choose the capture requirements
Resolution, colour mode, bit depth, file format and compression should be selected based on the original material and intended use. The Library of Congress emphasises matching electronic content and format to the source material and purpose.
Stage 2 — Capture the original
The scanner or camera system should capture the complete document at the agreed specification. For fragile or heritage material, equipment must also be appropriate to the physical object.
Stage 3 — Keep masters separate
The preservation master should be treated differently from access derivatives. JPEGs and PDFs may be created for everyday use without replacing the higher-quality master image.
Stage 4 — Quality assurance
A TIFF master should be checked for focus, colour, completeness, orientation, cropping, artefacts and file integrity. Naming and metadata should make the master identifiable and manageable.
Stage 5 — Manage the files
A preservation master is only useful if it remains accessible and intact. Storage, backup, integrity checking, documentation and future migration planning all form part of digital preservation.
TIFF is not the whole preservation strategy
Choosing TIFF is one technical decision. A sustainable preservation programme also requires good capture, quality control, metadata, managed storage and continued stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TIFF lossless?
TIFF can store uncompressed or losslessly compressed image data, depending on how the file is created.
Is TIFF better than JPEG for preservation?
For many preservation imaging workflows, TIFF is preferred as a high-quality master while JPEG is useful as an access derivative. The correct choice depends on the project requirements.
Should I keep both TIFF and PDF?
Often yes. They serve different purposes: a high-quality image master can be retained alongside a convenient access PDF.
Further Reading
Oxford Duplication Centre — Practical Expertise
Our approach to heritage digitisation is based on matching the capture method to the physical material. Assessment, safe handling, appropriate equipment, consistent image capture and quality assurance are all part of the process.
Need DAT tapes digitised?
Oxford Duplication Centre provides professional DAT digitisation for individual tapes and archive collections, with preservation and access outputs tailored to your requirements.
Archival Document Scanning Request a Quote