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.tga

Truevision TGA

Commonly known as TGA

Legacy raster format used in broadcast and game development with optional RLE compression. developed by Truevision and released in 1984, it has become a standard for Game textures, Broadcast graphics, VFX matte passes.

Key Features

  • Supports alpha channel
  • Straightforward structure
  • Trusted in VFX pipelines

Limitations

  • Large uncompressed files
  • Sparse metadata
  • Poor native web support

When to use TGA?

The TGA format is ideal for Game textures, Broadcast graphics, VFX matte passes. Its MIME type is image/x-tga.

How to open .tga files

  1. macOS: Use native Preview/Quick Look or import into professional apps that support TGA.
  2. Windows: Open via Photos, Media Player, or dedicated editors by enabling the relevant codec pack.
  3. Browser: Drag the file into FileConvert to transform it into a universally supported alternative before sharing.

Popular Conversions

FAQs about TGA

How do I open a .tga file?

You can open TGA files with native tools on Mac, Windows, and Linux or convert them for free using FileConvert.

Is TGA still relevant in 2025?

TGA remains essential for Game textures thanks to its supports alpha channel benefit.

How do I convert TGA into other formats?

Visit our TGA conversion directory to switch between Truevision TGA and 200+ alternatives without uploading files.