What is the definition of a TIFF file type?

A TIFF file, or Tagged Image File Format, is widely recognized as a versatile and flexible file format designed for handling raster graphics. The primary feature that defines TIFF is its broad compatibility; it is supported by a plethora of software applications, including various paint programs, image-editing software, and page-layout applications. This capability makes TIFF an ideal format for exchanging image files across different platforms and software environments, ensuring that images maintain high quality without significant loss of detail.

The TIFF format shines in contexts where high image fidelity is crucial, such as in publishing and professional photography. It can support various color depths and compression methods, ranging from none at all (resulting in large file sizes) to lossless compression options that maintain image quality.

The other options highlight misconceptions about TIFF. Unlike formats designed specifically for web use, TIFF is known for its larger file sizes and is not optimized for compression, which makes it less suitable for web images. While some formats may support only monochrome imagery, TIFF can accommodate a wide array of color depths and can store color images, thus debunking the notion that it is limited to black and white. Finally, TIFF is not a proprietary format exclusive to Adobe Photoshop; rather, it is an open format used by various applications