TIFF and JPEG have different roles in a family archive. A high-quality master and a convenient sharing copy can coexist.
A practical way to begin
Keep the original capture file before making any conversion.
Consider TIFF for a lossless scan master when storage and your software support it.
Use a high-quality JPEG copy when smaller files and broad compatibility matter.
Name the copies clearly so someone does not overwrite the master while editing or sharing.
For example
A scanned portrait can have a TIFF master in the archive and a JPEG copy in the folder sent to relatives.
What to avoid
Converting an existing JPEG into TIFF does not recover detail already lost. Avoid repeatedly opening, editing and saving the only JPEG you have.
Should I keep the original material?
Yes. Keep an untouched source and work with copies. A finished album, transcript or edited video serves a different purpose from the original material. Check that your saved copies open, and keep important context such as names and dates alongside them.
Related family guides
- How to Digitize Photos Without Removing Them from an Album
- What Resolution Should You Use to Scan Family Photos?
A personal keepsake, if it fits your plans
If you decide to turn a selection of family photos or videos into a physical keepsake, you can explore Forever Orb. Keep the original files and a separate backup; a display gift is not your archive.
