Free online IGES to TIF converter

CAD systems store IGES models as editable geometry, while many document, printing, and image workflows require a TIFF image. Converting creates a raster view of the model for inspection, reports, archival records, or high-resolution printing; it does not preserve editable 3D geometry.

What the IGES format is

IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) is a CAD exchange format for transferring wireframe, surface, and some solid-model data between engineering applications. Mechanical CAD programs such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and Rhino can create or import IGES files, usually with the .igs or .iges extension. You encounter it when receiving legacy engineering data or exchanging a model with a supplier that uses different CAD software.

What the TIF format is

TIF, also written TIFF, is a raster image format. It stores pixels rather than curves, surfaces, solids, or model history, so it is suitable for drawings, rendered views, inspection images, technical reports, and print production rather than further CAD editing. TIFF supports high resolutions, grayscale and color images, and lossless compression such as LZW or Deflate; it is often preferred over JPEG when fine lines and annotations must remain sharp.

How to actually convert IGES to TIF

Using the online converter

1. Open the IGES-to-TIF converter on 101convert.com.
2. Upload the .igs or .iges file.
3. Select TIF or TIFF as the output format and start the conversion.
4. Download the resulting image and check its orientation, scale, line visibility, and background before using it in a document.

This method requires no installed CAD software, but the result is normally a rendered or projected image. It cannot retain selectable CAD entities or a rotatable 3D model.

Using Rhino for controlled views

1. Open Rhino and choose File → Open, then select the IGES file.
2. Review the import options, accept the units used by the source model, and inspect the geometry.
3. Set the desired camera, projection, display mode, background, and viewport size. Use a parallel projection for dimensioned technical views or perspective for presentation images.
4. Run the _ViewCaptureToFile command, choose TIFF as the file type, set the pixel dimensions and resolution, then save the image.

For a consistent technical result, use a white or transparent background, a display mode with visible edges, and a sufficiently large output size before reducing the image for a report.

Using FreeCAD and ImageMagick

1. Open the IGES file in FreeCAD with File → Open and fit the model to the view.
2. Set the camera and display style, then use View → Save image to create a high-resolution PNG or another supported raster image.
3. Convert that intermediate image to TIFF with ImageMagick:

magick model.png -compress LZW model.tif

Use a higher render or screenshot resolution when the image contains thin edges, small holes, or dimension text.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

The conversion has no meaningful model-scale setting because TIFF records pixels, not CAD units. Choose the output pixel dimensions from the final use: a screen image needs fewer pixels than a 300-dpi or 600-dpi printed drawing. A 3D IGES file may produce only one camera view; create separate TIFF files for front, top, isometric, or section views.

IGES imports can contain gaps, missing trims, unsupported entities, or incorrect colors because applications interpret the specification differently. Inspect the model before capture, especially when the image will document manufacturing geometry. Rasterizing also removes layers, object selection, dimensions as CAD objects, parametric history, and exact curve data. Preserve the original IGES file alongside the TIFF when later measurement or editing may be required.