I cannot open a TGA file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with TGA files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening TGA will be resolved!
TGA File Extension
- File type Targa Graphic
- File developer Avid Technology
- File category Raster Image Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) TGA file?
TGA (Targa Graphic) is a file format that stores raster graphics data. It was used as the native format of Truevision’s TARGA and VISTA boards, which were the first graphic boards to support 24-bit true color.
TGA supports 8-bit grayscale images, 16, 24, and 32-bit true-color images, color-mapped images with 16, 24, and 32 bits/pixel. It stores the data in a compressed or uncompressed format. It also comes with RLE encoding support, which can be used for reducing the size of the files.
How to open TGA file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with TGA extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports TGA files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open TGA files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support TGA files
Step 2. Verify whether TGA files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports TGA files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with TGA files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support TGA files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open TGA files with the selected program.
Changing TGA file association in registry
File association for TGA files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check TGA file for other errors
- TGA file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening TGA files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected TGA file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For TGA files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
