--- title: "JPEG vs TIFF for Old Family Photos | Reflecting a Life" description: "Step‑by‑step guide for sorting, scanning, naming, and storing old family photos, with tips on resolution, file format, and handling fragile prints." --- # JPEG vs TIFF for Old Family Photos [Family Photos & Archives](https://reflectingalife.com/category/family-photos-archives/) You have a box of family photographs that have sat on a shelf for decades, some faded, some cracked, and a few duplicated. Before any scanner touches them, a quick pass to pull out obvious copies and damaged pieces can save hours later. The goal is to create a digital record that preserves the image quality while keeping the workflow manageable. The choices you make now—how you sort, scan, name, and store—will affect how easily you can retrieve a picture twenty years from now. ## Sort before you scan Lay the photographs on a large table and group them by event, date, or family line. As you sort, set aside any that are clearly identical; keep only the best‑looking copy. Damaged prints—torn corners, water stains, or fading—should be marked for special handling later. This one‑time pass reduces the number of scans you will need and prevents duplicate files from cluttering your archive. A simple checklist helps: 1) Remove obvious duplicates, 2) Separate damaged items, 3) Note any prints with only back‑side information, 4) Create a rough inventory list. ## Prepare the flatbed scanner Place the scanner on a stable surface and clean the glass with a lint‑free cloth; dust or fingerprints become visible in the final image. Adjust the scanner software to a balanced setting: choose a color mode of true color (24‑bit) for color photos and 8‑bit grayscale for black‑and‑white. Set the compression to none for the initial capture; you can apply lossless compression later if needed. Keep the file‑size target in mind—higher quality settings produce larger files, but modern storage can handle several gigabytes without issue. ## Choose the right resolution Scanning at 300 dpi captures most detail for standard prints and results in manageable file sizes. If the original is smaller than 4 × 6 inches or you anticipate enlarging the image, 600 dpi preserves finer grain and reduces pixelation. For extremely tiny negatives or slides, go higher, but be aware that each doubling of resolution roughly quadruples the file size. A practical rule: use 300 dpi for everyday family photos, 600 dpi for images you may want to print larger than the original size, and only higher when the source material justifies the extra data. ## Pick a permanent archive format TIFF stores the image without compression loss, making it the safest choice for long‑term preservation. JPEG applies lossy compression, which discards data to reduce file size; once compressed, the lost detail cannot be recovered. Because the format decision is permanent, many archivists keep a master copy in TIFF and generate JPEG derivatives for sharing. If storage space is a concern, consider lossless JPEG‑2000, but ensure your future software can read it. The key is to avoid re‑compressing the same file multiple times, which compounds quality loss. ## Name files as you go A consistent naming convention prevents confusion later. Use a structure that includes the event, year, and a sequential number, for example: 1992\_Wedding\_01.tif. If the photo has a known subject, add initials after the number: 1992\_Wedding\_01\_JD.tif. Keep the format simple—no spaces, only underscores and hyphens, and a four‑digit year. Write the naming rule on a sheet of paper and place it next to the scanner; this way the pattern stays fresh in your mind throughout the session. ## Treat fragile prints and backs Handle cracked or brittle photos with cotton gloves to avoid oils from the skin. If a print is flaking, place a piece of archival‑grade tissue over the surface while scanning; this protects the image without altering the capture. The back of many prints carries dates, names, or handwritten notes that exist nowhere else. Photograph the reverse side at the same resolution and store the file alongside the front image, using a suffix such as \_back.tif. Keep a note in the inventory that the back image is linked to the front. ## Keep the originals safely After digitisation, store the physical photographs in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Use archival boxes or sleeves that are acid‑free to prevent further deterioration. Do not discard the originals immediately; they may be needed for future reference, legal purposes, or as a backup if digital files become corrupted. A simple rule of thumb: keep the originals for at least ten years after the last backup, then reassess based on condition and personal preference. **Worth remembering:** Spend time sorting and naming before you scan, choose TIFF for the master copy, and store both digital and physical files in a consistent, low‑risk system to ensure the family images remain accessible for decades. ## Common questions ### What format or settings should I use? Save the master scan as an uncompressed TIFF at 300 dpi for standard prints, increasing to 600 dpi only when you need more detail for enlargements. ### How should I label the files or items? Use a simple pattern like YEAR\_EVENT\_XX\[\_INITIALS\].tif, keeping characters lowercase, separating parts with underscores, and avoiding spaces or special symbols. ### How many backup copies should I keep? 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