Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.GEOTIFF
File Type
GeoTIFF
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .geotiff file format
GeoTIFF is a public domain metadata standard which allows georeferencing information to be embedded within a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) file. This means that geographic information, such as coordinate systems, map projections, datums, and other georeferencing details, are stored directly withi…
File extension
.GEOTIFF
File type
GeoTIFF
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .geotiff file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .geotiff.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .geotiff file?
File extension details and usage information
GeoTIFF is a public domain metadata standard which allows georeferencing information to be embedded within a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) file. This means that geographic information, such as coordinate systems, map projections, datums, and other georeferencing details, are stored directly within the image file itself. This eliminates the need for separate 'world files' or other auxiliary files to define the spatial location of the image data. GeoTIFF is widely used in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, photogrammetry, and other geospatial applications. It supports a wide range of raster data types, including imagery, elevation data, and thematic maps. The format is designed to be flexible and extensible, allowing for the storage of various types of geospatial metadata. GeoTIFF files are often used for storing aerial imagery, satellite imagery, digital elevation models (DEMs), and other types of geospatial raster data. The ability to store georeferencing information directly within the image file makes GeoTIFF a convenient and efficient format for exchanging and managing geospatial data.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .geotiff files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .geotiff files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .geotiff file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .geotiff file.
Why can't I open a .geotiff file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .geotiff format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .geotiff files
To open a .geotiff file, use software that supports this file format.
- QGIS
- ArcGIS Pro
- Global Mapper
- ENVI
- ERDAS Imagine
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .geotiff file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.