What are TGA Files?
TGA files are Truevision Targa Graphics files which are often used with games. TGA files are also called TARGA files with TARGA standing for Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter. These are a type of bitmap image that are considered an industry standard for high-end paint programs. However, they are not widely supported as you are seeing with Windows failing to recognize them.
Fortunately, you have options.
Opening TGA Files
While Windows may not recognize TGA files on its own, a variety of photo editing software does. For example, the free Irfanview image editor from http://www.irfanview.com/ can easily handle TGA files.
Apple’s QuickTime Player also can open TGA files and so can Adobe Photoshop, Corel PaintShop Pro, ACDSee Photo Manager, Herculesoft 123 Graphic Converter, and GIMP.
If you currently have any of these applications, then you are ready to open your TGA files. For example, if you have QuickTime Player, launch it and then open the files.
Setting TGA File Associations
You can also set QuickTime Player (or any of the other TGA-compatible programs) as the default application for the TGA file type. To do this, go into Windows Explorer and right-click a TGA file. Choose Open With and then browse to QuickTime or the desired program. Place a checkmark in the box that says, “Always use the selected program for this file type.”
Saving TGA Files to JPEG
If you plan on sending these images to friends and family, you’re smart to want to convert them to JPEG. After all, since the TGA format is not widespread, your family and friends probably won’t be able to open them either without first downloading the Irfanview program or QuickTime Player. Instead, use Irfanview to open the TGA files individually. Next, save each file in JPEG format. When sending the files, make sure to send those with the JPEG file extension.
Celeste Stewart | October 28th, 2008
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