PSDVSTIFF

Both store layers. Both are huge. But TIFF is not owned by Adobe. Which one is safer for archiving?

The Verdict

**TIFF is universal. PSD is proprietary.** If you want to ensure your grandchildren can open your file, use TIFF (LZW compression). If you live inside the Adobe Ecosystem, PSD is slightly faster.

Compatibility

Winner: TIFF

Lots of non-Adobe software can read layered TIFFs. Very few non-Adobe apps can perfectly read a complex PSD.

File Limits

Winner: Draw

PSD has a 2GB limit (then you need PSB). TIFF has a 4GB limit standard. Both are massive.

Compression

Winner: TIFF

TIFF offers LZW or ZIP compression which is very efficient. PSD RLE compression is faster but larger.