PEF to TIFF Converter
Convert PEF to TIFF in your browser. The embedded JPEG is converted, with the Custom Image settings (Bright, Natural, Monochrome and so on) that were active in camera. No raw development happens here. You get an uncompressed 8-bit RGBA TIFF with the resolution recorded. Nothing is uploaded.
- Processed locally
- No upload, no wait
- No sign-up
- No watermark
Drop images here
or choose files · paste with Ctrl/⌘ V
RAW expected · other image formats also work
How to use PEF to TIFF
- 1
Add your PEF files: drop them here, choose them, or paste from the clipboard.
- 2
There is nothing to tune: the TIFF is written uncompressed. Resizing and rotating are under More options if you need them.
- 3
Click Convert. Each file is decoded and encoded in a background thread on this device.
- 4
Download the .tiff files one at a time or together as a ZIP.
Why use Aback Images for pef to tiff
Where the TIFF goes next
TIFF opens in Photoshop, Lightroom, GIMP, Affinity, macOS Preview, Windows Photos and print RIPs.
TIFF next to PEF
The TIFF stores the camera preview's pixels uncompressed, so it can be as large as the 20 to 50 MB raw file, or larger, depending on the preview's resolution.
No new artefacts
The preview inside the PEF is a camera JPEG; the TIFF stores its decoded pixels uncompressed, so this step adds no compression damage of its own.
Processed on your device
Your images are decoded, edited and encoded inside this browser tab by Web Workers. Nothing is uploaded to a server.
PEF vs TIFF
What changes from PEF to TIFF
Encoding: the PEF uses Pentax-compressed or uncompressed sensor data with a JPEG preview; TIFF uses none, LZW, PackBits, Deflate or JPEG, chosen per file, and the download is an uncompressed 8-bit RGBA TIFF with the resolution recorded.
Bit depth: 12 or 14 bits per channel in the PEF; TIFF allows 1 to 16 bits per channel, or 32-bit floating point, and the TIFF written here has 8 bits per channel. The sensor's 12 or 14 bits are not used: the 8-bit camera preview is converted.
Colour: camera RGB from a Bayer mosaic in the PEF; TIFF supports RGB, CMYK, Lab, greyscale or palette, often with an ICC profile, written here as 8-bit sRGB.
Metadata: the PEF can carry EXIF and Pentax maker notes with an embedded JPEG; TIFF can carry EXIF, XMP, IPTC and ICC, all stored as tags, but nothing is copied across.
About PEF
PEF is the raw format of Pentax DSLRs and Pentax-branded cameras from Ricoh Imaging. Pentax bodies can also record DNG instead, which many owners prefer for compatibility.
PEF is TIFF-based, with the sensor data and a JPEG preview referenced from its image directories and Pentax's maker notes. Pentax K-series bodies let you choose PEF or DNG for raw capture; both carry the same sensor data and an embedded preview.
PEF files usually come from Pentax K-series DSLRs and 645 medium-format cameras.
About TIFF
TIFF is the professional archive and print format. It can hold multiple pages, high bit depths and lossless data, and is common in scanning, publishing and GIS.
A TIFF begins with 'II' or 'MM' for the byte order and the number 42, then an offset to the first image file directory (IFD): a table of tags giving the size, compression, colour model and the location of the strips or tiles of pixels. Each further page is another IFD.
When converting PEF to TIFF makes sense
TIFF is the better choice for printing, scanning and archival masters, while PEF suits editing Pentax photos in a raw developer.
TIFF strengths: Lossless and print-ready; Multiple pages in one file; Preferred by print shops and archives. Drawbacks to weigh: Very large files; Browsers cannot display it; Many variants and compression schemes.
Limitations
- A PEF and a DNG from the same Pentax body convert the same way, through the embedded preview.
- The TIFF is written uncompressed for maximum compatibility, so it is large; print shops and archives generally expect that.
- Browsers other than Safari do not display TIFF, so it is not a format for the web.
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Frequently asked questions
Does converting PEF to TIFF lose quality?
TIFF is written uncompressed, so the pixels are stored exactly as decoded. Those pixels come from the camera's JPEG preview, so its compression stays, but nothing new is lost. The sensor's 12 or 14 bits are not used: the 8-bit camera preview is converted.
Which apps open TIFF files?
Photoshop, Lightroom, GIMP, Affinity, macOS Preview, Windows Photos and print RIPs. It opens in Safari only; other browsers do not display TIFF.
Are my images uploaded anywhere?
No. Processing happens inside your browser with WebAssembly and Web Workers. The site only downloads the app code and codecs; your files never leave your device. You can confirm this with the live upload counter on the tool, or in your browser's network panel.
Can I process many files at once?
Yes. Drop a whole selection or folder. Files are processed in parallel on several worker threads, each result can be downloaded on its own, and everything can be saved as one ZIP.
Is it free? Is there a file limit or watermark?
It is free with no account, no watermark and no daily limit. The only limit is your device's memory: very large images (over roughly 100 megapixels) may be refused to keep the tab from crashing.