.TARGA File Extension
Targa Graphic
| Developer | Avid Technology |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Raster Image Files |
| Format | .TARGA |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an TARGA file?
The .TGA (Truevision Targa Graphic) file format, commonly known as Targa, is a raster graphics file format. It was developed by Truevision Inc. (now Pinnacle Systems) in the late 1980s.
More Information.
It was one of the first widely supported graphics formats for IBM-compatible PCs. Initially, it was used primarily for video editing, animation, and image processing applications.
Origin Of This File.
The Targa format was originally designed to provide a flexible image format for use across different platforms and applications.
File Structure Technical Specification.
- Compression: Targa files can be uncompressed or use Run-Length Encoding (RLE) compression.
- Color Depth: Supports various color depths including 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit RGBA.
- Metadata: Supports metadata such as author information and copyright notices.
- Header Information: Contains header fields describing image dimensions, color information, and other attributes.
How to Convert the File?
Windows:
- Using Adobe Photoshop:
- Open Adobe Photoshop.
- Go to
File>Openand select your .TGA file. - Once opened, go to
File>Save As. - Choose the desired format (e.g., JPEG, PNG) from the format dropdown and save the file.
- Using IrfanView:
- Open IrfanView.
- Go to
File>Openand select your .TGA file. - Go to
File>Save As. - Choose the format you want and click
Save.
Linux:
- Using ImageMagick (Command-line):
- Open a terminal.
- Use the following command to convert .TGA to .PNG (example).
- Adjust the command for different formats as needed (e.g., JPEG, BMP).
- Using GIMP:
- Open GIMP.
- Go to
File>Openand select your .TGA file. - Go to
File>Export As. - Choose the format you want and export the file.
macOS:
- Using Preview (Built-in):
- Open the .TGA file in Preview.
- Go to
File>Export. - Choose the desired format (e.g., JPEG, PNG) from the format dropdown and save the file.
- Using Adobe Photoshop (if available):
- Follow similar steps as on Windows.
Android:
- Using File Converter Apps:
- Install a file converter app from the Google Play Store (e.g., File Converter).
- Open the app and select your .TGA file.
- Choose the output format (e.g., JPG, PNG) and convert the file.
iOS:
- Using Apps like Adobe Photoshop Express:
- Install Adobe Photoshop Express from the App Store.
- Open the app and import your .TGA file.
- Use the app’s export or save function to convert the file to another format.
Other Platforms (General):
- Online Conversion Tools:
- Use online file conversion services like Zamzar or CloudConvert.
- Upload your .TGA file and select the desired output format.
- Download the converted file once the conversion is complete.
- Specialized Software:
- Use specialized image editing or conversion software available for specific platforms.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Widely supported across different platforms and applications.
- Supports transparency and alpha channels.
- Can store high-quality images without significant loss of detail.
Disadvantages:
- Larger file sizes compared to some more modern formats with better compression.
- Limited support for advanced features compared to newer formats like PNG or JPEG 2000.
How to Open TARGA?
Open In Windows
Use default image viewer or software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or IrfanView.
Open In Linux
Use image viewers like GIMP, Eye of GNOME, or command-line tools like ImageMagick.
Open In MAC
Preview, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and other graphics software can open Targa files.
Open In Android
Various image viewer apps available on Google Play can open Targa files.
Open In IOS
iOS supports opening Targa files through apps like Photos, Adobe Photoshop Express, and other image editing apps.
Open in Others
Targa files can generally be opened on most platforms using software that supports raster graphics formats, including online converters and specialized image editing software.
