.TGA File Extension

Targa Graphic

Developer	Avid Technology
Popularity	Average rating 4.1 / 5. Vote count: 205
Category	Raster Image Files
Format	.TGA
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an TGA file?

The .TGA file extension represents Targa Graphic files, a raster graphics format designed for high-quality images, commonly used in various graphics applications, including game development and 3D rendering.

More Information.

The TGA format was created to provide a high-quality image format suitable for complex graphics applications. It was one of the first formats to support true color (24-bit) images, as well as alpha channels for transparency. The format quickly gained popularity in industries requiring detailed and vibrant graphics, such as video game development, 3D modeling, and digital art.

Origin Of This File.

The TGA format was developed by Truevision Inc. in 1984. It was initially designed for use with their TARGA (Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter) boards, which were among the first graphics cards to support true color displays.

File Structure Technical Specification.

Header: Contains information about the image dimensions, color depth, and image type.
Image ID: Optional field for image identification.
Color Map: Optional palette for color-indexed images.
Image Data: The actual pixel data of the image.
Footer: Contains information for file validation and may include additional metadata.

How to Convert the File?

Windows

Adobe Photoshop:
- Open Adobe Photoshop.
- Go to File > Open, and select your TGA file.
- After editing, go to File > Save As, choose the desired format (e.g., JPEG, PNG), and save.
GIMP:
- Open GIMP.
- Go to File > Open, and select your TGA file.
- Go to File > Export As, select the desired format, and save.
IrfanView:
- Open IrfanView.
- Go to File > Open, and select your TGA file.
- Go to File > Save As, choose the desired format, and save.
Online Converters:
- Visit websites like Convertio or Zamzar.
- Upload your TGA file, select the desired output format, and download the converted file.

Linux

GIMP:
- Open GIMP.
- Go to File > Open, and select your TGA file.
- Go to File > Export As, select the desired format, and save.
ImageMagick:
- Open the terminal.
- Install ImageMagick if not already installed: sudo apt-get install imagemagick.
- Convert the file using the command: convert input.tga output.png (replace input.tga and output.png with your filenames).
XnView MP:
- Open XnView MP.
- Go to File > Open, and select your TGA file.
- Go to File > Export, choose the desired format, and save.

Mac

Adobe Photoshop:
- Open Adobe Photoshop.
- Go to File > Open, and select your TGA file.
- After editing, go to File > Save As, choose the desired format (e.g., JPEG, PNG), and save.
GIMP:
- Open GIMP.
- Go to File > Open, and select your TGA file.
- Go to File > Export As, select the desired format, and save.
Preview:
- Open the TGA file with Preview (requires appropriate plugins).
- Go to File > Export, choose the desired format, and save.

Android

Adobe Photoshop Express:
- Open Adobe Photoshop Express.
- Import your TGA file.
- Save or export the file in the desired format.
Multi-core CPU Converter:
- Install Multi-core CPU Converter from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app, select the TGA file, and choose the desired output format to convert.
File Converter:
- Install File Converter from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app, select the TGA file, choose the desired output format, and convert.

iOS

Adobe Photoshop Express:
- Open Adobe Photoshop Express.
- Import your TGA file.
- Save or export the file in the desired format.
File Converter:
- Install File Converter from the App Store.
- Open the app, select the TGA file, choose the desired output format, and convert.
File Viewer for iOS:
- Install File Viewer for iOS from the App Store.
- Open the app, select the TGA file, and choose the desired output format to convert.

Online Tools

Convertio:
- Go to Convertio.
- Upload your TGA file.
- Select the desired output format.
- Click Convert, and download the converted file.
Zamzar:
- Go to Zamzar.
- Upload your TGA file.
- Select the desired output format.
- Click Convert, and download the converted file.
Photopea:
- Go to Photopea.
- Open your TGA file in the web-based editor.
- Go to File > Export As, choose the desired format, and save the file.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Supports high color depths and alpha channels.
Simple and straightforward file structure.
Widely supported in graphics software and game engines.

Disadvantages:

Larger file size compared to more modern formats like PNG or JPEG.
Limited metadata support compared to formats like TIFF or PNG.
Compression is not as efficient as modern formats.

               How to Open TGA?
                  Open In Windows
                  Adobe Photoshop: A powerful image editing software that supports TGA files.
GIMP: An open-source image editor that can open and edit TGA files.
IrfanView: A lightweight image viewer that supports TGA files.

                  Open In Linux
                  GIMP: Available on Linux, GIMP can open and edit TGA files.
ImageMagick: A command-line tool for image manipulation that supports TGA files.

                  Open In MAC
                  Adobe Photoshop: Supports TGA files on macOS.
GIMP: Available for macOS, GIMP can handle TGA files.
Preview: macOS’s default image viewer can open TGA files with appropriate plugins.

                  Open In Android
                  Adobe Photoshop Express: A mobile version of Photoshop that supports TGA files.
Multi-core CPU Converter: An app for converting and viewing TGA files.

                  Open In IOS
                  Adobe Photoshop Express: Supports viewing and editing TGA files.
File Viewer for iOS: Can open TGA files.

                  Open in Others
                  Online Tools: Websites like Photopea can open and edit TGA files directly in the browser.
Graphics Software: Many professional graphics software like CorelDRAW and Autodesk’s software support TGA files.