TIFF or PSD

[Trever1t]

When working in LR4 and using an external edit like CS6 I always have saved in TIFF format but the file size is HUGE. How about PSD? Which is best to preserve as much data?

 

[tirediron]

I always save in .tiff too, but I assume that because .psd is a native Photoshop format, it would actually be better. Interesting question... hopefully someone knows the real answer!

 

[runnah]

TIFF is fine. Both psd and tiff allow for editable layers.

 

[KmH]

I edit using PSD and only use TIFF for output.

When I see a PSD file I know that is my Master, layered file. I know any TIFF files I have are output files.
When saving layered files i found PSD to be faster and more efficient than saving a layered TIFF.

For Photoshop format files to be completely compatible with other Adobe programs (LR in particular for photographers) you have to be sure you have "Maximize PSD and PSB compatibility" checked in Photoshop's File Handeling preferences.

For anyone using Photoshop CC and LR I highly recommend these 2 reference books:
Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers: A professional image editor's guide to the creative use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Book: The Complete Guide for Photographers

 

[Robin Usagani]

i personally like PSD. If I am not mistaken a TIFF can have layers too. But anytime I have layers, I always save it in PSD.

One important note though if you do edit it in PSD, make sure on your Photoshop you go to your: EDIT - PREFERENCES - FILE HANDLING - Always maximize PSD file compatibility checked.

Also one good thing about TIFF is that you can open it on almost any computer. A PSD requires an adobe software but I have a feeling you dont care about that.

 

[Derrel]

I prefer .PSD files.

 

[Trever1t]

Good info, thank you. So technically both are equal as far as data preservation, it's a personal preference? One thing also noted is that I can view Tiffs in the folder without having to open them in any program while with PSD I cannot. File size seems to be smaller with PSD as well. Hmm.

 

[Judobreaker]

I always use PSD as I don't really see a reason not to, seeing as I have Photoshop.

The main advantage of TIFF is that it is an open file format which a lot of programs are able to use and write. The problem is that a complicated TIFF created in Photoshop may not be handled correctly in less advanced software so the results from opening in other software may vary.
PSD is a closed file format which results in a lot less programs being able to use it. This has the added advantage however that, because it was not made in a way that anyone can just use it, the format will always open correctly in software that can use it.


Ps. My browser displays PSD in the folder just as fine as TIFF, although if I remember correctly this wasn't the case back when I used Windows. Might be an osx thing...

 

[charlie76]

They are both use lossless compression algorithms. Not losing data either way you go

 

[runnah]

The problem with psd is that it's a proprietary format. Most printers and other services won't accept them. TIFF is more universally accepted not only with vendors but other programs.

For me I find psd to be way too big for photos. I convert from raw, save to HQ JPEG and leave it at that. If I need to send it out to print will reconvert to tiff. But more often a HQ JPEG will work for printing.

 

[Overread]

I save in PSD because its not a file I'm printing nor displaying. It's a file I'm saving because I want to preserve the layers and other editing data that I've worked with incase I wish to return to the photo to make adjustments (minor or major). From there I will then save a JPEG typically for output, since the JPEG is a smaller file size and I won't be re-editing it and thus the lossy nature of the format isn't a problem.

If I were very high quality printing I might safe TIFF instead if the printing lab required it, but from a single save of a JPEG I don't think there'd be any different in output from the TIFF to the JPEG.

 

[ValerieGoettsch]

In Lightroom 5 the default is TIFF but I think it comes down to user preference. TIFF supports layers but the files are bigger than PSD. LR can't process a 32-bit PSD file, though I don't know how much a concern that is for the average person. As others said, when using PSD you need to have Maximize Compatibility turned on in PS.