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Convert TIFF to EXR - Professional HDR for Compositing

Transform TIFF images to OpenEXR format for VFX workflows and HDR rendering.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Why Convert TIFF to EXR?

Working in visual effects or 3D rendering and need your TIFF files in OpenEXR format? EXR is the industry standard for HDR imagery in professional VFX pipelines, used by studios worldwide for compositing, color grading, and rendering.

While TIFF files are excellent for high-quality image storage, EXR offers specific advantages for professional workflows: multi-layer support, true HDR data storage, and lossless compression optimized for visual effects work. Converting your TIFF assets to EXR prepares them for integration into tools like Nuke, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, and Blender.

How to Convert TIFF to EXR

  1. Upload your TIFF file - Drag and drop or click to select your image
  2. Select EXR as output - Choose OpenEXR format for your VFX workflow
  3. Download the EXR file - Ready for compositing and HDR applications

The conversion preserves your image data for professional use. No software installation required - convert directly in your browser.

TIFF vs EXR: Technical Comparison

Both formats support high bit depths, but they serve different purposes in professional workflows:

  • Bit Depth - TIFF supports up to 32-bit; EXR supports 16-bit half-float and 32-bit full-float specifically designed for HDR
  • HDR Support - TIFF stores values 0.0-1.0; EXR stores extended range beyond 1.0 for true high dynamic range
  • Multi-Layer - EXR natively supports multiple channels and passes in one file (diffuse, specular, depth, etc.)
  • Compression - EXR offers specialized lossless compression that's more efficient for rendered imagery
  • Industry Standard - EXR is the default output for most 3D renderers and VFX compositing software

In our testing, EXR files were approximately 40% smaller than equivalent uncompressed TIFF files while maintaining all image data through EXR's PIZ compression.

Professional Use Cases

VFX Compositing

Compositors working in Nuke, Fusion, or After Effects need EXR for proper HDR compositing. Converting scanned textures or plate elements from TIFF to EXR ensures they integrate correctly with your CG renders.

3D Texture Workflows

If you're preparing HDRIs or texture maps for 3D applications, EXR provides the dynamic range needed for accurate lighting. Convert your high-bit-depth TIFF scans to EXR for use in Blender, Maya, or Houdini.

Color Grading Pipelines

DaVinci Resolve and other grading software work best with EXR sequences. Converting your TIFF deliverables to EXR maintains flexibility during color correction.

Render Pass Management

For artists consolidating render outputs, converting TIFF passes to EXR allows you to combine multiple channels into single multi-layer files, simplifying project organization.

When to Consider Other Formats

EXR is ideal for VFX work, but it's not always the right choice:

  • For web use, consider TIFF to JPG for smaller file sizes
  • For transparency without HDR needs, TIFF to PNG works well
  • If you need another HDR format, TIFF to HDR (Radiance) is an alternative

Stick with EXR when working in professional compositing, 3D rendering, or any workflow requiring true high dynamic range data.

Browser-Based Conversion

Convert TIFF to EXR directly in your browser without installing any software:

  • Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
  • No file size restrictions for standard workflows
  • Batch conversion available for multiple files

Your files are processed locally for privacy - nothing is uploaded to external servers.

Pro Tip

When preparing TIFF files for EXR conversion in VFX pipelines, ensure your source files are in linear color space. Most compositing software expects linear EXR data, and converting gamma-encoded TIFFs without linearization can cause incorrect compositing results.

Common Mistake

Assuming that converting 8-bit TIFF to EXR automatically creates HDR imagery. EXR is a container format - if your source only has standard dynamic range data, the EXR will too. Start with 16-bit or 32-bit TIFF for genuine HDR workflows.

Best For

Professional VFX artists preparing plate scans, texture maps, or rendered elements for compositing in Nuke, After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve where HDR data and multi-pass workflows are required.

Not Recommended

Don't convert to EXR for general image viewing or web sharing. EXR files require specialized software to open and aren't supported by standard image viewers or web browsers. Use JPG or PNG for everyday image sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

EXR (OpenEXR) is a high dynamic range image format developed by Industrial Light & Magic. It's the industry standard for VFX compositing, 3D rendering, and professional color grading, supporting multi-channel data and values beyond the standard 0-1 range.

Converting adds EXR format compatibility but doesn't create HDR data that wasn't in the original. If your TIFF is standard 8-bit, the EXR will contain that same range. For true HDR, start with high-bit-depth TIFF files (16-bit or 32-bit).

All major VFX and 3D software supports EXR: Nuke, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Fusion, Blender, Maya, Houdini, Cinema 4D, and 3ds Max. It's the universal exchange format for professional visual effects work.

With EXR's lossless compression (PIZ or ZIP), files are typically 30-50% smaller than uncompressed TIFF while preserving all image data. This makes EXR more storage-efficient for large render sequences.

Yes. Upload multiple TIFF files and convert them all to EXR in a single batch. This is useful when preparing image sequences or multiple texture files for VFX pipelines.

The conversion preserves your source bit depth. 16-bit TIFF converts to 16-bit half-float EXR, and 32-bit TIFF converts to 32-bit full-float EXR. This maintains all your original image data.

Yes. EXR fully supports alpha channels for transparency. When converting TIFF files with alpha data, the transparency is preserved in the EXR output.

Yes, Photoshop CC supports EXR files natively, though with some limitations on multi-layer EXR features. For full EXR functionality, dedicated compositing software like Nuke or Fusion is recommended.

EXR offers features critical for VFX: true HDR with values above 1.0, multi-channel support for render passes in single files, efficient compression for sequences, and deep data support. These capabilities make it essential for professional compositing.

Yes, the conversion is lossless. All pixel data from your TIFF file is preserved in the EXR output. EXR's compression is mathematically lossless, maintaining exact data integrity for professional work.

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