TGA is the Truevision Graphics Adapter image format also called TARGA. Truevision released version 2.0 in 1989. Indexed color, RGB and RGBA images at 8, 16, 24 or 32 bits per pixel appear on the Library of Congress page. Version 2.0 files end with a 26 byte footer with the TRUEVISION-XFILE signature.
You find a .tga file in a game folder or a graphics project and many viewers refuse it. Knowing what sits inside the file guides your choice of a tool that opens it.
Facts follow the Library of Congress format description for Truevision TGA. That page leaves out the header layout and the compression details so this guide skips them.
What is a TGA File?
TGA files store raster images. Truevision, Inc. developed the format for its graphics adapters and the version 2.0 specification dates from 1989. Version 2 of the specification recommends the .tga extension.
Which Image Types does TGA Store?
| Item | Library of Congress states |
|---|---|
| Image types | Mapped or indexed color, RGB and RGBA (RGB with transparency) |
| Color depth | 8, 16, 24 or 32 bits per pixel |
| Extension | .tga |
| Developer | Truevision, Inc. |
RGBA matters because the fourth channel stores transparency. Game textures and video graphics use that channel for cutouts.
What does the TGA Footer Hold?
Version 2.0 files end with a footer of 26 bytes. Bytes 8 to 23 of the footer carry the text TRUEVISION-XFILE. Software checks that text to tell version 2.0 files from older ones.
That page also mentions a developer area where programs add extra information.
How do You Open a TGA File?
- Try an image editor or viewer that lists TGA in its supported formats.
- Open the file from the application menu and not by double click when the viewer is not set as default.
- Export the image to PNG or JPEG if you need to share it with people who lack TGA support.
Exporting to JPEG drops transparency. Choose PNG when the RGBA channel must survive.
Related reading: how to rename many file extensions at once and the ICS file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TGA File?
It is a raster image file from Truevision also called TARGA.
Does TGA Support Transparency?
Yes. RGBA adds transparency to RGB.
What Color Depths does TGA Use?
It lists 8, 16, 24 and 32 bits per pixel.
What File Extension does TGA Use?
Version 2 of the specification recommends .tga.
What is TRUEVISION-XFILE?
It is the signature in the 26 byte footer of version 2.0 files.
Key Takeaways
- TGA is a raster format from Truevision.
- Version 2.0 dates from 1989.
- RGBA stores transparency.
- Version 2.0 files end with a 26 byte footer.
- Export to PNG when transparency matters.
Sources and References
Facts follow the Library of Congress page.
- Truevision TGA, Version 2 (Library of Congress) www.loc.gov