what compression when saving as Tif

[RuggerJoe]

when I save a file as a TIF file I have 4 options for compression: None, LZW, ZIP and JPG. Which should be used? I know JPG is a lossy formate, which is why I'm starting to use TIF, but is it still lossless if you use one of the compression options?

[strmrdr]

zip gives the best lossless compression but isnt 100% compatable with some programs.
For your own use test them in your other programs if you use any to make sure they work ok.

lzw is the "classic" and most compatable. If your sending them to someone else use this. They will be bigger than when using zip.

jpg is a jpg in a tiff container and is not lossless.

[Scottes]

LZW can actually produce a bigger file than uncompressed. Generally speaking, don't use it on noisy or very detailed images. Definitely use it on images with lots of one color - like a night shot or lots of sky.

As strmrdr said, "zip gives the best lossless compression but isnt 100% compatable with some programs." If you don't share TIFFs, or done't do so very often, this is your best bet.