Hello nautico,
Thank you for your question.
Take a look at this page and you can see that it is possible to do
lossless compression of tif files using LZW compression:
http://www.scantips.com/basics9t.html
Part of what they say is:
"...TIFF image files optionally use LZW lossless compression. Lossless
means there is no quality loss due to compression. Lossless guarantees
that you can always read back exactly what you thought you saved,
bit-for-bit identical, without data corruption. This is a critical
factor for archiving master copies of important images. Most image
compression formats are lossless, with JPG and Kodak PhotoCD PCD files
being the main exceptions.
Compression works by recognizing repeated identical strings in the
data, and replacing the many instances with one instance, in a way
that allows unambiguous decoding without loss. This is fairly
intensive work, and any compression method makes files slower to save
or open.
LZW is most effective when compressing solid indexed colors
(graphics), and is less effective for 24 bit continuous photo images.
Featureless areas compress better than detailed areas. LZW is more
effective for grayscale images than color. It is often hardly
effective at all for 48 bit images (VueScan 48 bit TIF LZW is an
exception to this, using an efficient data type that not all others
use )..."
Do note that even when compressed, tif files are not usually "small".
But LZW should help shrink your files somewhat.
You didn't mention if the utility you seek needed to be free.
Searching for a utility for you I found the following:
Downloadable trial version:
Neomesh
http://www.neomesh.com/content/view/9/32/
BuyNow - $17.95
"...Neomesh Image Converter can batch convert between most of the
common formats used on the Internet today.
You can add whole folders or if you select 'Include Subfolders'
Neomesh Image Converter will add all the directories below the one you
selected as well...
...Change TIFF and GIF compression types
You can select how you want your GIF and TIFF images to be compressed.
You can select;
GIF - RLE, None and LZW
TIF - Default, None, RLE, FAX3, FAX4, LZW, JPEG..."
http://www.leadtools.com/Utilities/Cmd-Line/File-Converter/default.htm
"LEAD Command Line Image File Converter
The LEAD Command Line Image File Converter is perfect for any one that
needs to convert a single file or batch convert an entire directory in
a batch file. And best of all is it free!
The Image File converter can convert to and from an extensive list of
image formats. Additionally, it can resize and change the color depth
of the image as it converts...
They list numerous varieties of tif files handled by this free program.
And one more:
Blaze ImgConvert 2.0
http://www.downloadseeker.com/2702.html
"...Blaze ImgConvert is an advanced batch image/graphics conversion
application that supports over 140 formats and an entire arsenal of
options and features. Images can be resized or rotated automatically
in the same process when converting. Comprehensive compression,
sub-formats, various colorspaces, color depths, and much more are all
options available. For files that already exist, options are provided
to prompt for each existing file, automatically replace, skip the
file, and rename (this option also supports naming templates as
mentioned below). The software can also be configured to use the
source file`s folder for output, or use any pre-selected folder..."
This program is $29.95 and downloadable.
OK, one more since it has so many options for saving as tif:
For $49.95 there is Picture Desk Pro with several options for compressing tif's:
http://www.yukudr.com/index.php?software=3&manual=2
"..."Picture-Desk" support following output files formats for writing:
BMP, DIB (Microsoft Windows Bitmap)
CAL (1-bit CALS Raster Format)
DCX (PC Paintbrush Multiple Page File Format)
GIF (CompuServe Graphics Interchange Format)
JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
MOD (1-bit IBM MOD:CA Raster Format)
PBM (1-bit Portable Bitmap)
PCX (PC Paintbrush File Format)
PGM (Portable Graymap)
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
PPM (Portable Pixmap)
TIF (Tag Image File Format) Uncompressed formats; CCITT RLE, Group 3
Fax, and Group 4 Fax compressed formats; Pack Bits, LZW, JPEG and
deflate compressed formats.
WPG (Word Perfect Graphic Bitmap)...
Search Strategy:
tif +lzw +program OR utility
convert tif tif +lzw
tif +converter +lzw
I trust my research has provided you with several options for programs
to compress your tif files. If a link above should fail to work or
anything require further explanation or research, please do post a
Request for Clarification prior to rating the answer and closing the
question and I will be pleased to assist further.
Regards,
-=clouseau=- |
