TGA to PNG Converter
You have a TGA from a game tool, a renderer or an old graphics program and you want a lossless copy that opens everywhere, keeping its transparency. This converter reads the Targa file in your browser and writes a PNG. Uncompressed, run-length encoded and paletted files are supported.
Embed this tool on your websiteShow code
Free to use on any site. Paste the code where you want the tool to appear. It runs inside the page; visitors' files are processed in their own browser and are not uploaded.
WordPress and most site builders have a "Custom HTML" block where this code can be pasted. The embed keeps a small link back to CalcMaster.
How to convert TGA to PNG
- Add your TGA files by dropping them, clicking the drop zone or pasting.
- The output format is already set to PNG. Adjust quality or size if you need to.
- Press Convert and compare the original and new size for each file.
- Download each file or all of them as a ZIP.
When to convert, and when not to
- You want a lossless, widely supported copy of a sprite, icon or render.
- The TGA has an alpha channel that must stay see-through.
- A website or editor accepts PNG but not TGA.
- Do not expect a particular size; compare the result with your TGA, and try JPG or WebP if a small loss is acceptable.
What changes
- Uncompressed, RLE and paletted TGA in 8, 15, 16, 24 and 32 bits are read.
- When the file has an alpha channel, it is kept as PNG transparency.
- The header's origin flag is honoured, so the image comes out upright.
- The result is lossless, so no new quality is lost, and there is no quality slider.
- Metadata is not written to the PNG.
Why PNG is the natural replacement for TGA
Targa was popular because it was simple and could carry alpha, which made it a favourite for game and video work. PNG covers the same ground, with lossless compression and alpha, and has far wider support in browsers, editors and office programs. A converted copy lets you share the picture without asking anyone to install a plug-in.
Keeping the alpha channel
If your TGA stores 32 bits per pixel, the fourth channel holds transparency. The converter carries it into the PNG, so soft edges around a sprite or a glow effect remain see-through. You can verify by opening the PNG on a coloured page. A 24-bit TGA has no alpha, so its PNG is fully opaque.
Palette and low colour-depth files
Older TGA files may use a colour palette or only 15 or 16 bits per pixel. The converter expands these to full colour before saving, so the PNG shows the same picture the palette described. The PNG is saved as full colour rather than as a palette image, so compare the sizes on your own file.
Batches of frames
Animation and sprite work often produces numbered TGA frames. Add them all, convert, and download one ZIP of PNG files. The names are kept with the new extension, so the numbering stays in order.
Game and render workflows
In a game project a TGA is often one of several files that belong together. When you convert one only to look at it, the PNG is a good reference because it keeps the alpha. If you plan to send it to an artist, mention the original name so they can match it with the source. The converter keeps your file name and changes the extension, which helps with that.
Limits to remember
The converter can also write TGA, so a round trip is possible, but the new file may differ from your original in details such as compression and metadata. Keep the original TGA files if a game or an engine needs them. Very large frames use plenty of browser memory, so convert them one at a time or reduce the size first.
Privacy: your files stay on your device
- The tool decodes, resizes and encodes your pictures with your browser. The files are never sent to a server.
- To check it yourself: open the browser developer tools (F12), open the Network tab, convert a file, and look for any request that carries your image. You will see none.
Frequently asked questions
Does PNG keep my TGA transparency?
Yes, when the TGA has an alpha channel. A TGA without one gives a fully opaque PNG.
Why is my PNG not smaller?
Both formats store pixels without loss, so the sizes can be close. Use the resize option or choose JPG or WebP if a small loss is fine.
Which bit depths work?
8, 15, 16, 24 and 32 bits per pixel, uncompressed or run-length encoded, including paletted files.
Can I convert numbered frames?
Yes. Add them together and download all the PNG files in one ZIP.
Is anything lost compared with the TGA?
The pixels are kept. Metadata is not written to the PNG.
Will the file name stay the same?
Yes, apart from the extension. If two files would share a name, a number is added.