Convert TIFF to SVG Online
Transform your TIFF images into scalable vector graphics with our TIFF to SVG converter. This conversion traces the shapes and colors in your raster TIFF image to create vector paths that scale infinitely without quality loss. Ideal for recreating logos, diagrams, and simple graphics when original vector files are unavailable.
TIFF's lossless quality makes it an excellent source for vectorization—the clean edges and accurate colors help produce better traced results compared to lossy formats like JPEG.
Understanding Raster to Vector Conversion
TIFF is a raster format storing colored pixels. SVG is a vector format describing mathematical shapes. Converting involves "image tracing"—algorithms analyze pixel boundaries and colors to generate vector paths approximating the original image. Results depend heavily on source image characteristics.
Best results come from images with clear edges, solid colors, and simple shapes. Complex photographs produce large SVG files with many small paths—for photos, keeping the TIFF format is usually better.
Best Use Cases
- Logo recreation — recreate vector logos when originals are lost
- Diagram vectorization — convert scanned diagrams to editable vectors
- Simple graphics — icons and illustrations with solid colors
- Line art — drawings and sketches with clear lines
Quality Tips
For best results, use high-resolution TIFF files with clean edges. Increase contrast before conversion to help the tracer distinguish shapes. Remove noise and artifacts that could become unwanted vector paths. The cleaner your source image, the better your SVG output.
For logos and graphics, reduce the number of colors before tracing—simpler color palettes produce cleaner vector paths. If your TIFF has anti-aliased edges, the tracer may create extra paths at boundaries. Consider threshold adjustments for crisper tracing results.
How the Conversion Works
The conversion uses image tracing algorithms that analyze your TIFF image pixel by pixel. The algorithm detects edges where colors change, then generates Bézier curves and polygons that follow these boundaries. Areas of similar color become filled shapes in the resulting SVG.
Modern tracing algorithms can handle gradients, transparency, and complex shapes. However, they work best with clear, well-defined artwork. TIFF's lossless quality provides optimal source data—no compression artifacts means cleaner edge detection and smoother vector paths.
SVG Output Optimization
Traced SVG files often contain more path points than necessary. After conversion, consider optimizing your SVG using tools like SVGO or Inkscape's "Simplify Path" feature. This can reduce file size by 30-50% while maintaining visual quality. Optimization is especially important for web use where file size affects loading performance.
For professional design work, manual cleanup in vector editing software produces the best results. Traced output serves as a starting point—simplifying complex paths, adjusting colors, and removing artifacts creates polished vector artwork suitable for all applications including print.
TIFF-Specific Considerations
Multi-page TIFF files convert only the first page to SVG. TIFF files with layers or channels beyond standard RGB/RGBA are flattened before tracing. CMYK TIFF images are converted to RGB color space during the process. For best results, prepare your TIFF in RGB mode with the content you want on the first page.
Related Tools
- SVG to TIFF — rasterize vectors for print
- PNG to SVG — trace PNG images
- TIFF to PNG — convert to web format