File Extension Database

Open TGA File

File extension TGA is most commonly associated with a TARGA image file, which is an abbreviation for Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter. TGA files are bitmapped images, and were originally developed for use with Truevision's (now Pinnacle Systems) high-end graphics cards which were designed for video editing.

Development of the TGA file format began in 1984, though it was not until 1989 that significant extensions were added to the format to make it more suitable for use by graphics professionals. These improvements included a 32-bit colour depth, which was essentially truecolour (24-bits per pixel) with an additional 8-bit alpha channel adding transparency. The ability to attach information to TGA files, such as creation date, author and a postage stamp, otherwise known as a thumbnail or scaled-down preview - was also added. The major rival to the TGA format was the Tagged Image File Format, or File extension TIFF. Though technically superior, support and portability between different platforms was not as widespread which is why the TGA file format still remains popular today.

TGA files can store images with 8-bit (256 colours), 16-bit (65,536 colours), 24-bit (16,777,216 colours) or 32-bit (24-bit colour with transparency) colour depth, or use a palette to define all available colours in an image. TGA images have typically large file sizes as every pixel is represented by a certain number of bits (dependant on the colour depth). However, they can be compressed using simple lossless run-length encoding, which can result in greatly reduced file sizes.

TGA files are used extensively in the video and animation industry, as well as by computer game manufacturers who often use the TGA format to store texture files.

Support for TGA files is widespread, and they can be opened and manipulated by the majority of major image editing applications including Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Painter and GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program).

Typical TGA application file locations:

C:\Program Files\Paint.NET\PaintDotNet.exe "%1"
C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\PictureViewer.exe "%1"

Typical TGA mime types:

image/targa

Frequently used application names to open TGA files:

Paint.NET
QuickTime

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Paint.NET.1
QuickTime.tga

How Can I Open TGA File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open TGA file is to find a TGA file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a TGA file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open TGA file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as TGA file opener then try to search online for "TGA viewer", "application to open TGA file" or "open TGA file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open TGA file

How Can I Open TGA File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a TGA file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a TGA file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with TGA file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as TGA file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open TGA file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open TGA file then try to search for "TGA viewer", "application to open TGA file" or "read TGA file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read TGA file

How Can I Open TGA File on Android

If you downloaded a TGA file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded TGA file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "TGA".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "TGA viewer", "TGA file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open TGA File on iPhone or iPad

To open TGA File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the TGA file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "TGA". This way you can find apps which can open TGA files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "TGA viewer" or "TGA file" online in your favorite search engine.