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For some reason I can't import a .tif file into to TVP 10.

What is the format of that tiff file ?
TVPaint doesn't support CMYK tiffs.

RGB 16bit uncompressed

Does TVPaint support 16bit color (HDRI)?

it opens a RGB 16bit PSD file ok.

idragosani wrote:Does TVPaint support 16bit color (HDRI)?

Nope, they are converted to 8 bit (taking only the upper 8 bits).

BenEcosse wrote:it opens a RGB 16bit Photoshop file ok. I just convert my image to that. But it's an annoying step to convert it each time so was just wondering what the issue is?

Send us both files (the one that doesn't load and the PS converted one), and we'll see what's wrong and try to fix it.

I converted the .tif file to 8bit and it opened into TVP10 ok.

OK, here are the results of the postmortem check :
- tvpaint loads only 16bits PSD files, and converts them to 8 bits.
- thus, tiffs aren't supported in 16 bits.

found this
http://www.tvpaint.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5677" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You should use PNG for inter-app transfers.

Ok will do that. But isn't PNG a compressed format?

It's a lossless compression, just like when you zip a file, then unzip it, it will be the exact same.
(In fact, png uses the exact same compression algorithm than zip).

PNG was originally intended to replace GIF, and in addition provides better color resolution and gets away from patent issues.