The TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a versatile and widely-used image format known for its flexibility in preserving high-quality images and supporting a variety of color depths and compression methods. TIFF files can be either lossless or use various compression algorithms, making them suitable for professional photography, printing, and document imaging. They support multiple layers and can store metadata, making them favored in industries where precise image detail and data retention are critical, such as graphic design, publishing, and medical imaging. The .tiff or .tif file extension is commonly associated with TIFF files.