TIFF File Too Large? 3 Ways to Reduce Size for Email/Upload

When a user tries to email a high-quality photo, they often encounter a frustrating error message stating the file is too big. This is a common issue for anyone working with TIFF images. While these files are excellent for keeping pictures clear and sharp, that high quality comes with a significant downside: massive file sizes.

Most email providers set a strict limit on attachment sizes, usually around 25MB. If an image exceeds this limit, the transmission will fail. However, solving this issue does not require advanced technical skills.

Here is a guide on how to handle a TIFF File Too Large? 3 Ways to Reduce Size for Email/Upload easily in 2026.

Why Are TIFF Files So Huge?

Before attempting to shrink these files, it is helpful to understand why they consume so much space. TIFF stands for “Tagged Image File Format.” Professional photographers and graphic designers favor this format because it is “lossless.” This means the file saves every single detail and color information from the original picture.

Other popular formats, such as JPEG, use compression that throws away a small amount of data to save space. TIFF keeps everything intact. While this is perfect for printing a large poster, it is often impractical for sending a quick email to a friend or uploading an image to a website.

Here are the three most effective methods to solve this storage problem.

Method 1: Convert to JPEG (Best for Emailing)

When the goal is simply to show someone an image without the need for billboard-sized printing, the most efficient method is changing the file format. Converting a TIFF file to a JPEG (or JPG) can reduce the file size significantly—often making it 10 times smaller than the original.

Why choose this method?

• Speed: JPEGs open instantly on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
• Size: This format shrinks the file drastically, saving storage space.
• Compatibility: Almost every device in the world can open a JPEG file.

How to do it:

Users do not need to buy special programs. Most computers come with built-in tools that can handle this conversion.

1. On Windows: The user should open the image in the Photos app or Paint. By clicking “File” or “Save As,” they can select “JPEG” from the dropdown list.
2. On Mac: Open the image in Preview. Click “File,” then select “Export.” Change the format to “JPEG” and adjust the quality slider until the file size is appropriate.
3. Online: There are numerous free websites where users can upload a TIFF and download the converted JPEG seconds later.

Note: It is important to remember that converting to JPEG involves losing a tiny bit of quality. However, for most standard screens, the human eye cannot tell the difference.

Method 2: Create a ZIP File (Best for Original Quality)

Sometimes, a user needs to send the high-quality original file to a professional designer or a print shop. In this case, converting to JPEG is not ideal because important details might be lost. Instead, the best option is to “zip” the file.

Zipping a file is similar to putting a fluffy winter jacket into a vacuum-seal bag. It removes the empty air so the item takes up less space, but when opened, the file returns to its original shape perfectly.

Why choose this method?

• Quality: It preserves the TIFF file exactly as it was created.
• Organization: Users can pack multiple images into a single ZIP folder for easier sending.

How to do it:

1. On Windows: Right-click the TIFF file. Select “Send to” and then click “Compressed (zipped) folder.” A new file featuring a zipper icon will appear in the same folder.
2. On Mac: Right-click (or Control-click) the TIFF file. Select the option that says “Compress [Filename].”

While this method might not shrink the file as aggressively as converting it to JPEG, it often reduces the size enough to slide under standard email attachment limits.

Method 3: Resize the Image Dimensions

Sometimes a file is large simply because the picture itself is physically huge. If a photo is 5000 pixels wide, but the recipient is only going to view it on a phone screen that is 1000 pixels wide, valuable data space is being wasted.

Why choose this method?

• Control: The user decides exactly how large the picture appears on the screen.
• Balance: It allows the user to keep the TIFF format while simply reducing the canvas size.

How to do it:

The same built-in tools mentioned in Method 1 (Paint on Windows or Preview on Mac) can be used here.

1. Open the image in the preferred viewer.
2. Look for a button labeled “Resize” or “Adjust Size.”
3. Change the pixel width to a lower number (for example, 1920 pixels is standard for most monitors).
4. Save the file.

By making the image physically smaller, the amount of data required to store it drops significantly.

Comparison of the 3 Ways

FAQ

Why is my TIFF file too large for email?

Email providers usually restrict attachments to 25MB. Since TIFF files save every visual detail without compression, even a single high-quality photo can easily exceed this limit.

Will converting TIFF to JPEG look bad?

Usually, no. Unless the user intends to print a very large poster, the human eye struggles to see the difference between a high-quality JPEG and a TIFF on a standard computer screen.

Is a ZIP file the same as a TIFF?

No. A ZIP file is a digital container that holds the TIFF file inside it. It compresses the data for transport. When the receiver opens the ZIP, they extract the original TIFF back out.

Can I use my phone to reduce the size?

Yes. Both iPhone and Android app stores offer many free applications that can convert image formats or resize photos, making it easy to share files directly from a mobile device.

What if the file is still too big after zipping?

If zipping does not reduce the size enough, users should try a cloud storage link. Services like Google Drive or Dropbox allow for sharing massive files without worrying about email limits.