.tga File Extension

The Targa format, which stands for Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter, was designed by Truevision (now Avid Technology) in 1984 for use with its first video software programs. The original format consisted of 2 areas:

1. TGA File Header
2. Image/Color Map Data

While these two sections were included in the original 1984 specification of the Targa format, "Developer Area," "Extension Area," and "TGA File Footer" sections were added in 1989. This specification is known as the "New TGA Format" and consists of the following 5 areas:

1. TGA File Header
2. Image/ColorMap Data
3. Developer Area
4. Extension Area
5. TGA File Footer

Besides the three new sections of the image format, Truevision also introduced several new extensions to the Targa format in 1989 to meet the needs of graphics professionals. Examples of the extra extensions include:

• Date and time the file was created
• Author name and comments
• Alpha channel type
• Pixel aspect ratio
• Gamma value
• A scaled-down postage stamp copy of the image (a "thumbnail" image)

Windows

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Linux

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Macintosh

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