TGA Converter - Convert Truevision Targa Images

What is TGA?

TGA (Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter), also called TARGA, is an image format created by Truevision Inc. in 1984 for their video graphics cards. Despite its age, TGA remains widely used in game development, 3D rendering, and video production.

TGA's popularity in games and graphics comes from its simplicity, reliable alpha channel support, and lossless storage. Many game engines and 3D software use TGA as their default or preferred texture format.

For general image sharing, TGA has been replaced by PNG and other modern formats. But in professional graphics pipelines, especially game development, TGA remains a workhorse format.

Why Convert TGA Files?

TGA is powerful for professional use but has limitations:

• No browser support - Web browsers cannot display TGA images
• Large file sizes - TGA files are often uncompressed or minimally compressed
• Limited software support - Many image viewers and editors don't open TGA
• Can't share easily - Recipients without specialized software can't view TGA
• Social media incompatible - All platforms require JPG/PNG uploads
• Email issues - TGA attachments often won't preview

Converting TGA to PNG or JPG creates universally viewable files for sharing while keeping TGA originals for production.

Convert TGA to Other Formats

TGA to PNG

Best for preserving quality and alpha transparency. PNG is lossless like TGA but more widely supported. Ideal when you need to share game textures or graphics while maintaining transparency.

TGA to JPG

Smallest file size for sharing renders and screenshots. JPG doesn't support transparency, so alpha channel becomes a solid background. Good for quick previews and client review.

TGA to TIFF

Professional format for print and publishing workflows. TIFF preserves full quality and supports various color depths. Use when the recipient needs professional-grade files.

TGA to BMP

Creates Windows bitmap for legacy applications that require BMP input. Both are uncompressed, so file sizes are similar.

Convert to TGA from Other Formats

PNG to TGA

Prepare textures for game engines. Many game development workflows prefer TGA for textures. Transparency is preserved perfectly.

JPG to TGA

Import photos as game textures or 3D materials. The converted TGA won't have transparency unless added during editing.

TIFF to TGA

Move professional images into game or video pipelines that standardize on TGA format.

PSD to TGA

Export Photoshop layers to TGA for game engine import. Flattens layers while preserving transparency.

TGA Technical Specifications

• Full name: Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter (TARGA)
• Developer: Truevision Inc. (1984)
• File extension: .tga, .tpic, .vda, .icb, .vst
• MIME type: image/x-tga, image/targa
• Color depths: 8-bit (indexed), 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit (with alpha)
• Compression: None or RLE (lossless)
• Alpha channel: Full 8-bit alpha support
• Orientation: Can store images top-down or bottom-up

TGA in Professional Workflows

Game Development

• Unity imports TGA textures natively
• Unreal Engine supports TGA for textures and materials
• Many indie and AAA studios standardize on TGA

3D Rendering and Animation

• Maya, 3ds Max, Blender support TGA
• Render outputs often saved as TGA sequences
• Compositing software accepts TGA layers

Video Production

• TGA image sequences for video editing
• Alpha channel keying and compositing
• Frame-by-frame animation export

How to Convert TGA Files

1. Upload your TGA or image file - We handle all TGA variations including RLE compressed and various color depths.
2. Choose your output format - PNG to preserve transparency, JPG for smallest files, TGA if converting from other formats.
3. Download your converted file - Alpha channels are preserved when converting between formats that support transparency.

Batch upload supported for converting entire texture folders at once.

TGA vs PNG - Which to Use?

• Use TGA when: Your game engine or 3D software prefers it, working in established pipelines that standardize on TGA, or when RLE compression is sufficient
• Use PNG when: Sharing files with non-specialists, web or social media use, or when better compression is needed

For new projects without legacy requirements, PNG is generally recommended. For game development, follow your engine's texture format preferences.