TIFFlike

TIFFlike is a proposed image file format inspired by the Tagged Image File Format (TIFF). It envisions a modular, extensible container for raster imagery that retains familiar tagging concepts while addressing modern needs such as streaming access and richer metadata.

The design goals include backward compatibility with common TIFF tags, a clean and documented file header that enables deterministic parsing, support for partial loading through tiled or block-based organization, and a pluggable metadata model that can evolve without breaking implementations.

File structure typically centers on a header followed by a sequence of blocks. Each block carries either image data or metadata and may reference other blocks. Pixel data can be stored in tiles or strips, with optional compression selected from a standardized codec set.

Metadata and extensibility are core to TIFFlike. A canonical metadata container houses core attributes (color space, resolution, time stamps) and domain-specific schemas (photos, scientific imagery). The format aims to map to existing standards where feasible while enabling future extensions through versioning and well-defined tag IDs.

Compression and color handling cover lossless and lossy options and per-image or per-tile color space declarations. Although TIFFlike remains a concept rather than a deployed standard, it appears in discussions on archival formats and interoperability with TIFF-based workflows; prototypes exist in academic contexts.

See also: TIFF, DNG, EXIF, IPTC, archival image formats.