# Convert TIFF to Raw Pixel Buffer

Export TIFF images as raw pixel buffer files with configurable channel layout and bit depth for low-level imaging workflows.

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/tiff-to-raw

- **Category:** Media

- **Keywords:** tiff, tif, raw, pixel, data, convert, image, format, uncompressed, bitmap

## Overview

Export decoded TIFF pixels as a headerless raw pixel buffer file. This format is useful when another graphics or imaging pipeline expects pixel memory with a known channel layout and bit depth, but it does not generate a photographic camera RAW format and does not embed TIFF metadata in the output file.

## Inputs

- **TIFF Image** (file): Select a TIFF image file...
- **Pixel Format** (select)
- **Bit Depth** (select)
- **Byte Order** (select)
- **Keep Metadata** (checkbox): Extract metadata separately because raw pixel buffer files do not embed metadata

## When to use

- When feeding raw image data directly into a custom GPU shader or graphics pipeline that requires a specific channel layout like RGBA or BGRA.
- When developing low-level C/C++ image processing algorithms that expect a headerless, uncompressed pixel memory buffer.
- When converting high-bit-depth TIFF files into raw 16-bit or 32-bit pixel streams for scientific or medical imaging analysis.

## How it works

- Upload your TIFF image file using the file selector.
- Select your target pixel format from options including RGB, RGBA, BGR, or BGRA.
- Choose the desired bit depth (8, 16, or 32-bit) and configure the byte order as Little Endian or Big Endian.
- Process the file to download the headerless raw pixel buffer file, optionally extracting metadata separately.

## Use cases

- Preparing raw texture buffers for game engines or custom WebGL rendering pipelines.
- Feeding raw pixel streams into hardware-accelerated FPGA or DSP image processing boards.
- Converting medical TIFF scans into raw byte arrays for direct memory loading in analysis software.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does this tool output photographic camera RAW files like CR2 or NEF?

No, it outputs a headerless raw pixel buffer containing only the decoded pixel values, not a camera RAW format.

### What pixel formats are supported for the output buffer?

You can choose between RGB, RGBA, BGR, and BGRA channel layouts.

### Can I preserve the original TIFF metadata?

Yes, you can enable the option to extract and save the metadata separately, as raw pixel buffers do not embed metadata.

### What bit depths can I export?

The tool supports exporting pixels at 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit depths.

### How is the byte order handled for multi-byte pixels?

You can configure the output to use either Little Endian (Intel) or Big Endian (Motorola) byte ordering.

## Related tools

- [Convert GIF to Raw Pixel Buffer](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/gif-to-raw): Export GIF frames as raw pixel buffer data for analysis, rendering pipelines, and low-level image processing.
- [Convert AVIF to TIFF](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/avif-to-tiff): Convert AVIF images to TIFF format with lossless quality, compression options, and professional workflows
- [Convert GIF to AVIF](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/gif-to-avif): Convert GIF images to AVIF format with next-generation compression and quality settings
- [Convert GIF to HEIF](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/gif-to-heif): Convert GIF images to HEIF format with advanced compression for Apple ecosystem
- [Convert GIF to TIFF](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/gif-to-tiff): Convert GIF images to TIFF format with compression options for professional use
- [Convert GIF to WebM](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/gif-to-webm): Convert GIF images to WebM video format with modern compression and web optimization
- [Convert JPEG to Optimized JPEG](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/jpg-to-optimized-jpg): Convert JPEG images to optimized JPEG format with advanced compression settings and quality preservation
- [Convert JPEG to TIFF](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/jpg-to-tiff): Convert JPEG images to TIFF format with compression options and high quality preservation

## Samples

- [TIFF Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/tiff-samples): Sample TIFF images in different aspect ratios and themes with high-quality uncompressed format
- [TIFF Viewer Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/tiff-viewer-samples): Sample TIFF images (square, landscape, portrait) for the in-browser TIFF Viewer
- [Camera RAW Photo File Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/camera-raw-samples): Downloadable sample files covering Sony ARW/SRF/SR2, Canon CR2/CR3/CRW, Adobe DNG, Nikon NEF/NRW, Fuji RAF, Olympus ORF, Panasonic RW2, Leica RAW/DNG, and a generic RAW binary file for testing camera RAW upload workflows.
- [WebRTC Real-Time Communication Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/webrtc-samples): Comprehensive WebRTC samples for peer-to-peer audio/video communication, data channels, screen sharing, and signaling server implementation