Orthophotos are often provided as GeoTIFF (.tif) files because this format preserves spatial reference information for use in GIS software. However, sometimes you may need a simpler image format such as JPEG (.jpg) for integration into reports, presentations, or software that doesn’t accept TIFF files.
Below are instructions for converting your orthophoto from TIFF to JPEG in two common GIS applications: QGIS and ArcGIS.
Option 1: Convert in QGIS (Free & Open Source)
Open your TIFF orthophoto in QGIS.
In the Layers Panel, right-click on the TIFF layer.
Select Export → Save As….
In the Save Raster Layer As dialog:
Set Format to JPEG.
Choose your file name and location.
Adjust resolution or extent if needed (default keeps the same as the original).
Click OK to export.
Alternative method: Use the Processing Toolbox → Translate (Convert format) tool (part of GDAL) and choose JPEG as the output format.
Option 2: Convert in ArcGIS
ArcGIS Pro
Add the TIFF into your project.
In the Contents pane, right-click the raster layer.
Select Data → Export Raster.
In the Export Raster dialog:
Choose your extent (e.g., full raster).
Set Output Format to JPEG.
Specify output location and file name.
Click Export.
ArcMap
Add the TIFF to ArcMap.
Right-click the layer in the Table of Contents → Data → Export Data.
Set the output format to JPEG.
Save to create the JPEG file.
Important Notes
Loss of georeferencing: JPEGs are a compressed image format and do not store geospatial referencing information. If you need your JPEG to align correctly in GIS software, be sure to also generate a world file (.jgw) when exporting (both QGIS and ArcGIS support this option).
When to use TIFF vs JPEG:
Use TIFF when you need accurate geospatial data, analysis, or further processing.
Use JPEG for lightweight image sharing, visualisation, or embedding into non-GIS documents.