Which file format is best for high-quality printing?

The choice of TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) for high-quality printing is based on its capacity to maintain image fidelity and detail. TIFF files are capable of handling large file sizes and can store images with high color depth and resolution, making them ideal for professional printing. Additionally, TIFF supports lossless compression, meaning that image quality is not compromised during the saving process, which is crucial for retaining the detail and sharpness necessary for print materials.

In contrast, JPEG files involve lossy compression, which can degrade image quality and lead to artifacts when printed at large sizes. GIF files are limited to a palette of 256 colors, making them unsuitable for high-quality prints that often require more extensive color ranges. BMP files, while capable of high-quality images, result in very large file sizes and lack the compression benefits that TIFF offers, making them less practical for professional printing scenarios. Thus, TIFF stands out as the preferred choice for achieving the best quality in printed images.