File Types Our Lab Supports FAQ

What is the difference between JPEG and TIFF?

JPEG is the standard image file type most customers are familiar with. JPEG files are smaller, easier to download, easy to share, and compatible with almost every phone, computer, website, and photo-printing service.

TIFF files are much larger and are better suited for editing, archiving, and professional workflows. TIFF files preserve more image information and give you more flexibility if you plan to edit your scans in programs like Photoshop or Lightroom.

For most customers, JPEG is the best choice. TIFF is best for customers who want larger files for editing, restoration, printing, or professional use.

Why do JPEGs from most labs look poor, but your JPEGs look amazing?

Not all JPEG files are created the same.

Many labs use stronger JPEG compression to keep file sizes small. Heavy compression can make images look blocky, soft, noisy, or less detailed, especially when zoomed in or edited.

Our JPEG files use ultra-low compression, which keeps file sizes reasonable while preserving as much image quality as possible. This gives most customers the convenience of JPEG without the harsh, over-compressed look people often associate with lab scans.

What file types can I get my images in?

Our default file type is JPEG.

At request, we can provide scans in several common file formats, including:

JPEG
TIFF
PNG
PSD
BMP
WebP

Availability may depend on the scanning method, file size, and how the images are being delivered.

Can I get RAW files from DSLR scans?

Yes. RAW files from DSLR scans are available by request with a small upcharge.

Our DSLR RAW files are Canon CR2 files. These are unprocessed camera RAW files and are intended for customers who want to do their own editing, conversion, color correction, or restoration work.

RAW files are not recommended for most customers because they require compatible software and more editing experience.

How do I receive my digital images?

Our default digital delivery methods are Google Drive or Dropbox.

We can also provide physical digital media:

CD or DVD: available free upon request
Flash drive: available for purchase from us
Customer-supplied flash drive: accepted only if it is new and sealed in the original package

For safety and security reasons, we do not normally accept used flash drives from customers. If you send us film frequently and want to reuse a single flash drive with us, please contact us first so we can work out a safe arrangement.

Are there file types you will not upload to Google Drive or Dropbox?

Yes. Very large files may require a flash drive instead of cloud delivery.

TIFF files can be over 100 MB per image, which can turn a single roll into several gigabytes of data. By comparison, an entire roll of JPEG images is often under 100 MB.

Because of this, large file orders usually require a flash drive. This includes many:

TIFF orders
DSLR scan orders
UHR scan orders
Large-format scan orders
Professional scan orders

In some cases, we may provide lower-resolution JPEG scans through the cloud link and place the large TIFF, RAW, DSLR, or UHR files on a flash drive.

What does the lab recommend?

For most customers, our ultra-low-compression JPEG files are perfectly adequate. They are easy to download, easy to share, and high enough quality for normal viewing, social media, family archiving, and standard prints.

If you plan to edit your photos in Photoshop, Lightroom, or similar software, TIFF files provide more headroom because they preserve more image information.

For professional customers, we offer TIFF with RAW options so you can handle your own image processing with your preferred software. This is not recommended for the average film photographer, but it is available for customers who need that level of control.