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Image

What is a .tga file?

A .tga file is a Truevision TGA Bitmap (version 1.0). This is an image format — a picture, drawing or graphic. Confusingly, this extension has been used by 2 different formats over the years — they're all listed below.

This extension has been used by more than one format

2 different formats have claimed .tga over the years, so two files with the same extension aren't necessarily the same kind of thing.

How to open a .tga file

  • GIMP (free) and IrfanView open a very wide range of image formats, including obsolete ones.
  • XnView MP is the best bet for unusual or legacy image types.
  • Your operating system's built-in viewer may work for mainstream formats.

The registry records this extension against Truevision TGA Bitmap, Truevision TGA Bitmap, so software from that family is the most likely match.

How to convert a .tga file

  • Open it in GIMP or XnView and export as .png (lossless) or .jpg (smaller).

The technical record

For archivists, developers and the merely curious: these are the PRONOM registry entries for .tga.

Format nameVersionMIME typePUID
Truevision TGA Bitmap1.0x-fmt/367
Truevision TGA Bitmap2.0fmt/402

Got another one?